- Archangel Lightworks has successfully tested the world’s smallest deployable operational optical ground station, demonstrating fast and secure data transfer with low-Earth orbit satellites.
- The UK Government praised the achievement and UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd highlighted its contribution to strengthening global connectivity, economic growth and national security.
- The system underwent multiple tests to meet the US Space Development Agency’s laser communication standard while maintaining its portability with a form factor of 1.1 m high and 0.7 m in diameter, while dispensing with the need for a protective dome.
Archangel Lightworks, a UK-based laser and optical communications company, has recently announced the successful completion of its testing of the world’s smallest deployable operational optical ground station, the TERRA-M.
At just 1.1m high and 0.7m in diameter, TERRA-M enables mobile deployment while enabling fast and secure communications with low-Earth orbit satellites.
It is a considerably more efficient option, effectively addressing the size, weight and power (SWaP) limitations that plague older ground stations.
A powerful and portable peak on the future of communications.
TERRA-M conducted multiple tests to verify that it met the U.S. Space Development Agency’s laser communication standard during a multi-day test. This achievement is doubly impressive given its small size.
The CEO of Archangel Lightworks emphasized the portable nature of the TERRA-M: “The TERRA-M is uniquely capable of fast and secure data transfer with satellites while being small enough to be deployed and redeployed at the point of need.”
Praise also came from multiple industry giants and government officials, including, notably, a recognition from UK Space Minister Liz Lloyd, who called Archangel Lightworks’ achievement an “excellent example of British innovation leading the world in next-generation space technology.”
TERRA-M’s size and ability to deploy quickly make the underlying technology applicable to defense and commercial industry applications, allowing it to address issues such as long deployment timelines, temporary needs, and Internet coverage for communities that would otherwise be difficult to support.
Archangel Lightworks has many long-standing investors who have already invested up to $20 million in the company, including notably Santander Alternative Investments, 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 is also supported by the UK Space Agency, the Department of Science and Technology (DSIT) and the Ministry of Defence, further strengthening its multiple industrial and government connections.
With the underlying technology also attracting foreign buyers, including the Sultanate of Oman’s Omantel, which signed a 2025 deal to accelerate solutions like TERRA-M, there are many interested parties beyond domestic investors for the cutting-edge technology in play, even as it continues to mature from a proof of concept to a readily available solution with Archangel Lightworks stating that units are available for purchase and service contracts are already in play.
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