Funded by the UKRI and the UK Quantum Communications Hub, we have established an optical ground station (OGS) suitable as ground segment in quantum and optical communication satellite missions. Equipped with a multi-functional telescope, the OGS can also be used for connectivity to other unmanned aerial vehicles as well as space situational awareness and astronomy applications. The OGS is connected with dedicated ~1km dark fibres to the University’s QuTech laboratory and from there to the core network

• 700mm diameter telescope RC700
• Adaptive optics
• Beacon lasers / tracking sensors (400-1,700 nm)
• Turbulence monitor
• Dark optical fibres to the QuTech Lab include SMF-28, OM5 as well as fibre simulators