- Archangel Lightworks has successfully tested the world’s smallest deployable operational optical ground station, demonstrating secure, fast data transfer with low-Earth orbit satellites
- The UK government has praised the achievement, with UK Space Secretary Liz Lloyd highlighting its contribution to strengthening global connectivity, economic growth and national security
- The system ran several tests to comply with the US Space Development Agency’s laser communications standard while maintaining its portability with a form factor of 1.1 m tall and 0.7 in diameter, while forgoing the need for a protective dome
Archangel Lightworks, a UK-based optical and laser communications company, has recently announced the successful completion of its testing of the world’s smallest deployable operational optical ground station, TERRA-M.
With a height of only 1.1 m and a diameter of 0.7 m, TERRA-M enables mobile deployment while enabling secure, high-speed communication with low-Earth orbit satellites.
It is a significantly more efficient option that effectively addresses the size, weight and power (SWaP) limitations that plague older ground stations.
A potent, portable top in the communication of the future
TERRA-M ran several times to confirm compliance with the US Space Development Agency’s laser communications standard during a multi-day test period. This performance is doubly impressive given its small size.
The portable nature of the TERRA-M was emphasized by Archangel Lightworks CEO: “TERRA-M is uniquely capable of fast, secure data transfer with satellites, while being small enough to be installed and repositioned when needed.”
Accolades also came from several industry giants and government officials, including, most notably, recognition from the UK’s Space Secretary, Liz Lloyd, who called Archangel Lightworks’ achievement an “outstanding example of British innovation leading the world in next-generation space technology.”
TERRA-M’s size and ability to deploy rapidly make the underlying technology applicable to both commercial and defense industry applications, allowing it to address issues such as long deployment timelines, temporary needs and internet coverage for communities that are otherwise difficult to support.
Archangel Lightworks has plenty of major investors who have now invested as much as $20 million in the venture, including notably Santander Alternative Investments, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Blackfinch Ventures, Oxford Capital, Lycka Limited and Oxford Science Enterprises, with a recent Series A funding round bringing in $13.5 million.
It also enjoys support from the UK Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the Ministry of Defence, further strengthening its multi-pronged industrial and public relations.
As the underlying technology is also attracting overseas buyers, including Omantel of the Sultanate of Oman, which signed a 2025 agreement on rapid solutions such as TERRA-M, there are plenty of interested parties beyond domestic investors for the advanced technology in play, even as it continues to mature from a proof-of-concept solution to a readily available solution with Archangelwork solutions for an easy-to-buy service. contracts are now in play.
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