New telescope set to give Abu Dhabi greater role in space communications

A new telescope will allow Abu Dhabi to play a greater role in space communications.

The Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station, the largest in the Middle East, was unveiled by the Technological Innovation Institute. It will allow ultra-secure global communications by communicating with satellites using light particles.

“I am proud that we are actively shaping the future of secure data transmission on a global scale,” said TII chief executive Ray Johnson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the centre. “Our facility epitomises the pinnacle of quantum technology while serving as a centre of excellence for training, helping to nurture the emerging quantum technology sector in the UAE.” Much of the research has yielded progress in the form of long-distance optical transmission of data between satellites and ground-based receivers such as the quantum optical ground station, which is equipped with a quantum acquisition and tracking system, designed by the TII.

The ground-based telescope is situated at Al Sadeem Observatory in Al Wathba.

The 2,363-square-metre centre consists of a tracking telescope with a diameter of 800mm, as well as a control room for operational oversight.

“This is quite an advanced technology we’re demonstrating, quantum key distribution,” said James Grieve, senior director in the TII’s quantum research centre. “Once it’s operational, this will be a node in a global key distribution network,” he explained, referring to international efforts from various governments and companies to create a standard for secure, free-space optical communications. This will connect Abu Dhabi to a global network currently under construction.”

Abu Dhabi’s quantum optical ground station is currently in the testing phase but Mr Grieve said it was ahead of the curve on the international stage.

“There are only about seven other countries in the world that have demonstrated this technology already, and maybe 10 countries have the capability,” he said. “We’re joining quite an elite group here.”

Mr Grieve also said the ground station eventually could serve a secondary purpose – that of high data rate optical data communication.

“There are larger and larger constellations of satellites in orbit and the amount of data collected in orbit is increasing exponentially,” he said.