Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC)
QinetiQ Space
Laser-based high-speed directional communication system for air, land, maritime, and space platforms — demonstrated >100 km range with simultaneous ISR sensing capability.
Technical specifications
- Demonstrated Range
- >100 km (HAPS-to-HAPS)
- Spectrum
- License-free (optical)
- Beam Type
- Directional point-to-point
- Dual Mode
- Communications + ISR sensing simultaneously
- Domains
- Air, Land, Maritime, Space (LEO, inter-satellite)
About
QinetiQ’s Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) system uses laser beams to deliver high-speed, near-uninterceptable digital communications between military platforms across air, land, maritime, and space domains. The directional point-to-point beam is license-free (no RF spectrum) and many times faster than equivalent RF links, with demonstrated range exceeding 100 km in HAPS-to-HAPS configurations.
The system operates in dual-mode: simultaneous communications and ISR sensing (3D mapping, vibrometry, target identification). Key capabilities include advanced pointing and tracking, vibration mitigation, and turbulence compensation. Applications span HAPS inter-links, LEO satellite ground stations, inter-satellite links, ship-to-submarine communications, and forward command post connectivity.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
