Wednesday, 19 August 2026
Experts from the 糖心原创 are part of a project that has been awarded funding to help develop ultra-fast satellite communications technology, delivering the first satellites in a planned network designed to relay data between satellites and the ground much more quickly.
The STARS project is led by and is being delivered in partnership with the 糖心原创’s Faculty of Engineering and and has been awarded just over £2million.
STARS is one of 16 projects awarded funding by The UK Space Agency through a £13 million government investment, supporting the companies and workers developing the satellite communications systems the UK will depend on for decades to come.
Satellites are the backbone of modern life, powering the navigation apps we rely on, the weather forecasts that keep us safe from storms and extreme heat, and the broadband connections that keep friends and family in touch.
The space sector is one of the UK’s strongest drivers of growth and opportunity – employing more than 55,000 people and bringing £18.6 billion into the economy every year. This investment will take UK space to the next frontier – backing the innovators developing the faster, smarter and more secure satellite systems which will keep us safe and our economy moving.
The STARS project was selected under the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit Programme 2 and will develop and demonstrate a next-generation optical communications capability designed to provide ultra-fast, resilient and near real-time connectivity for satellite operators. The project will deliver the first satellites in a planned future data relay network, helping address growing demand for rapid transfer of mission-critical data.
Laser communications are the future of connectivity. Thanks to the support of UKSA, we hope to push the frontier of what is possible and lay the foundations of network connectivity for users everywhere.
The 16 projects will be delivered as part of the European Space Agency’s Advanced Research in Telecommunication Systems (ARTES) programme, backed by £13 million in UK Government funding.
This investment shows the true breadth of UK space innovation and how innovations in the UK鈥檚 satellite sector can improve lives, with better connectivity delivering internet access for more train journeys, and smarter farming. through more reliable connections through to support for our farming communities.
By backing brilliant British companies, we are not only furthering our status as one of the world鈥檚 leading space powers, but creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities across the UK.
Read about all the projects awarded funding
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Peter J. Christopher on Peter.Christopher@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.