CfAI using laser communications to send local kid’s messages to space

Pupils from St Mary Magdalen’s Primary School have sent messages into space using cutting-edge laser communications technology developed in the North East, as part of Durham University’s Light Years programme.

CfAI welcomed over 20 children to Durham University, where they created messages alongside artists from the Light Years programme. These were them beamed into space from the Physics Department’s Optical Ground Station, using technology developed in the group. 

Free Space Optical Communications technologies have the potential to revolutionise satellite internet services, providing high speed and secure communications to locations anywhere on Earth. CfAI is working with the European Space Agency ESA and UK companies to develop resilient optical links by mitigating the effects of atmospheric turbulence. 

The event was covered by several local news outlets, including ITV Tyne Tees and BBC Look North:

New laser communications tech beams messages handwritten by school children into space - Latest From ITV News