SpaceDrone-DataLinkOptical Connectivity
PROGRAMME
SpaceDrone-DataLink progresses through coherent stages to reduce technical, industrial and commercial risk while keeping sensitive programme elements offline. Each milestone prepares the next and strengthens scale-up readiness.
PUBLIC MILESTONES
The programme combines design, prototyping, testing, intellectual-property protection and industrial preparation through a progressive, measurable trajectory.
Very-high-throughput optical communication proof of concept.
Demonstration of optical pointing and tracking on a UAV.
Patent filings and invention-family structuring.
Expansion of the photonics programme and industrial partnerships.
SYSTEM DEMONSTRATION
Trials check how SHC behaves during normal operation and when the laser link deteriorates. They verify that the system recognises the problem, uses the planned backup solution, informs the operator and returns to normal operation when conditions improve. The same scenarios verify that data protection, equipment identity and message integrity remain assured while links change.
EXECUTION PILLARS
Develop and test the laser link, backup radio and onboard assistance software.
Protect the core architecture and differentiating mechanisms.
Engage specialist laboratories, integrators and suppliers.
Build reproducible evidence in representative environments.
Secure critical components, processes, metrology and capabilities.
Co-design demonstrators with operators and end users.
Detailed schedules, budgets, internal architectures and unpublished intellectual-property information remain offline. They are shared only under a contractual framework appropriate to the need.