Lumino kicks-off ESA Project to deliver its FALQON Advanced Quantum Optical Receivers for future Space-to-Ground Communications
QuComms Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), based at Heriot-Watt University, where Lumino will install the FALQON Unit and test the quantum link with the OPSAT-VOLT spacecraft.
Lumino Technologies has kicked-off a project to deliver a next-generation quantum optical ground receiver for Satellite Quantum Communications under a European Space Agency contract.
Satellite Quantum Communications is recognised as a critical dual-use capability - fundamental to ensuring Quantum Secure Communications and the future Quantum Internet linking Quantum Computers and Sensors can achieve global reach.
The "Fast Adaptive Lightweight Quantum Optical Network (FALQON) Receiver" , is being delivered under the European Space Agency's ARTES 4.0 programme (Optical Communications – ScyLight line), with national delegation support from the UK Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The consortium will design, build and test a compact, line-replaceable quantum receiver that can be integrated across a wide range of ground stations, and support a variety of missions.
FALQON development is supported by Lumino’s partners: Politecnico di Milano's SPADLab will develop next-generation high-rate single-photon detectors, Heriot-Watt University will provide independent testing via its QuComms Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), Craft Prospect will support integration and test campaigns using its OPS-SAT VOLT mission and Wideblue will contribute product design engineering. The consortium is targeting a Technology Readiness Level 6 demonstration with HOGS and OPS-SAT VOLT, with the receiver also designed for compatibility with the Honeywell Aerospace and ESA QKDSat mission.
Omar Iqbal, CEO of Lumino Technologies, said, "FALQON tackles one of the key bottlenecks holding back satellite quantum communications: a ground receiver that's genuinely deployable at scale. We're proud to be developing this product, building on the heritage and capability we've developed as one of the fastest growing SMEs in the field."
Note: The FALQON project is undertaken under a programme and funded by the European Space Agency. Please note that the content of this news article can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.
