AAC Clyde Space and partners create hub for laser communications in the Netherlands
2024-05-22 AAC Clyde Space AB (publ)
AAC Clyde Space and its partners is creating a hub for laser satellite communications in the Netherlands, supported by agreements with Dutch TNO and FSO Instruments. The agreement marks all three parties' commitment to build up a long-term partnership and aim to establish a European ecosystem for laser satellite communication, based in the Netherlands.
"Advances in high data volume payloads, such as for Earth Observation, have highlighted the need for radically improved downlink capability for smaller satellites. Laser communication is ideal to take on this complex challenge. This partnership places us in an ideal position to meet this rapidly emerging demand", says AAC Clyde Space CEO Luis Gomes.
"This new collaboration underscores TNO's dedication to accelerate the transfer of our technology, fostering the growth of optical satellite communication capabilities in the Netherlands and bolstering a robust network within Europe and NATO", says Kees Buijsrogge, Director TNO Space.
This news follows the earlier announcement of the parties forming a consortium to develop the next generation of laser communication terminals for small satellites, link to press release.
In this latest project, AAC Clyde Space partners is set to deliver a next-generation compact, low-cost, laser system capable of transmitting data from space at a speed of up to 10 Gbps to enable space-to-ground communication between small satellites and optical ground stations. This is several times faster than current laser communication systems, and is far outpacing the radio frequencies in use today.
AAC Clyde Space has entered into a licensing agreement with TNO which grants AAC Clyde Space the right to use TNO's cutting-edge laser communication terminal technology. Measuring 10 x 10 x 10 cm the terminal is ideally suited for small satellites. The group has also entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with FSO Instruments regarding joint support in the development of a manufacturing and marketing. FSO will provide additional optical technology to the project. AAC's subsidiary in the Netherlands, AAC Hyperion, will provide optical communications for onboard electronics, drivers and software to the laser system.
Laser communications is poised to play a crucial role in the next phase of space advancement, driven by the increasing demand for global connectivity and the growing volume of data generated in space. The technology enable 100 to 1000 times more data transmitted to Earth than current radio frequency systems. Not only is it faster, laser communications also offer a more secure option.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please visit: www.aac-clyde.space or contact:
CEO Luis Gomes, [email protected]
CFO Mats Thideman, [email protected], mobile +46 70 556 09 73
ABOUT AAC CLYDE SPACE
AAC Clyde Space specialises in small satellite technologies and services that enable businesses, governments and educational organisations to access high-quality, timely data from space. Its growing capabilities bring together three divisions:
Space Data as a Service - delivering data from space directly to customers
Space missions - turnkey solutions that empower customers to streamline their space missions
Space products and components - a full range of off-the-shelf and tailor-made subsystems, components and sensors
AAC Clyde Space aims, in our chosen markets, to become a world leader in commercial small satellites and services from space, applying advances in its technology to tackle global challenges and improve our life on Earth.
The Group's main operations are located in Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa and the USA, with partner networks in Japan and South Korea.
AAC Clyde Space's shares are traded on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market. The Company's Certified Adviser is Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ). The share is also traded on the US OTCQX-market under the symbol ACCMF.
About TNO
The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is an independent research organization. We connect people and knowledge to create innovations that boost the sustainable competitive strength of industry and well-being of society. Now and in the future. Together with our partners, we focus on the societal challenges of a safe, healthy, sustainable, and digital society. This is our mission, and it is what drives us, the over 4.000 professionals at TNO, in our work every day.
About FSO Instruments
FSO Instruments, domiciled in Delft, is a joint venture of Demcon and VDL Groep. The company develops, produces and supplies high-quality instruments for free-space optics (FSO), in particular products for laser satellite communications. FSO Instruments further builds on the groundbreaking technology that the Netherlands organization for applied scientific research, TNO, has developed and subsequently brought to maturity together with Demcon and VDL ETG. A core team of systems architects, senior engineers and business developers is closely working together with Demcon, VDL ETG, TNO and specialized suppliers.