For planet earth and beyond
A world in which people can connect to one another instantly and reliably through space-enabled laser communications has just come closer. A study has now identified how to create high-speed broadband in space.
Using lasers to communicate helps speed the flow of information to people around the world, as well as improving the privacy of messages.
A vehicle that remains continuously connected even when in remote areas is being road tested in Cornwall in the south west of the UK.
The test vehicle will use ubiquitous communications technology to switch seamlessly between 5G and satellite networks as required. The technology was developed by Darwin Innovation Group, in collaboration with mobile telephone operator Virgin Media O2, satellite operator Hispasat, cloud data company Amazon Web Services, the UK Space Agency and ESA.
A sophisticated telecommunications satellite that can be completely repurposed while in space has launched.