Heriot-Watt University begins work on new £2.5m cyber attack station

Work has begun on the development of a new optical ground station at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

The £2.5m facility will demonstrate and test satellite quantum secure communications and is scheduled to be fully operational by late autumn this year.

The Quantum Communications Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS) will help to tackle future cyberattacks by researching methods to send secure transmissions via satellites.

It will also unlock new research on space environmentalism alongside innovative R&D activities for future laser communication networks.

The facility will contain cameras, sensors and other photonic technologies that could one day be used by both UK-based and international researchers.

It will also be directly connected to a new university campus optical fibre network, allowing teams to demonstrate the deployment of optical, quantum and hybrid communication networks.

The new capabilities will support space environmentalism by finding debris, accurately tracking satellites and developing new techniques to find objects that haven’t been seen before.

The telescope may also open opportunities for teams to explore new de-orbiting techniques for small space debris using lasers.

The facility is being built as part of the Quantum Communications Hub project, funded through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, and is part of a collaborative effort also involving the Universities of Bristol, Strathclyde and York.

Space engineering expertise is provided by the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s RAL Space Facility.

Dr Ross Donaldson, who is leading on the project for Heriot-Watt University, said: “We want to show that UK scientists have the capabilities to deliver satellite quantum-based communications and have the expertise to do all the required operations.

“Creating secure global connectivity is the goal and we look forward to demonstrating our abilities once the optical ground station is up and running.

“This new facility will provide UK and international teams with the opportunity to trial new techniques and technologies for innovative R&D as well as space environmentalism.”

Professor Tim Spiller, director of the quantum communications hub, said: “Satellites will form an essential part of future worldwide quantum communications, and in-orbit demonstrator missions are essential in proving the UK’s capabilities as a leader in secure quantum communications.

“The ground-based receiver is clearly a key element of any mission, and we look forward to the Hub Optical Ground Station becoming operational at Heriot-Watt University.”

Professor Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Our new Optical Ground Station will create a dynamic new environment where innovation is encouraged.

“We have seen an explosion in growth within the space technology sector and higher education has a key role to play to capitalise on this growth.

“By actively engaging with businesses that operate in the space sector, we can push the boundaries of what is possible. Our researchers and students bring fresh perspectives, diverse skill sets, and a passion for discovery.”

Graham McPhail, head of property strategy at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Having the Optical Ground Station on the university’s campus further elevates Heriot-Watt’s space and quantum potential beyond those offered by other research parks.

“As the largest and most prominent of Scotland’s science-based parks, with more than 1,000 staff working across 28 organisations, companies occupying Heriot-Watt Research Park can make full use of the amenities available on the campus in a location that offers unrivalled access to Scotland’s capital city and the central belt.

“Every day the campus is filled with our talented students, researchers and existing industry partners including Celestia UK, renowned for its expertise in antenna systems for satellite tracking.

“We are also supporting the university’s wider sustainability goals, ensuring we use existing campus infrastructure and minimise transport costs wherever possible.

“Operating from the campus means students that are studying our new aerospace engineering degree and aligned qualifications can benefit from access, helping the university to produce workplace-ready graduates who are able to meet the requirements of this emerging sector.”