NESCA Awardee Projects

Gimbal-Stabilised Optical Communications for Multi-Domain Applications

Project Lead: Amna Riaz
Institution: Northumbria University
Partner: OpenWorks Engineering
Amount: £64,512
Theme: In Space Opportunities 

This project develops gimbal stabilisation technology for compact optical communication terminals, enabling secure, high-bandwidth laser links across multiple applications. Gimbal integration allows flexible beam pointing for cross-links in large satellite constellations (similar to Starlink) whilst simultaneously enabling UAV-mounted optical communications, vehicle-based systems, and portable ground stations. Without the Gimbal, the narrow optical comms Field of regard puts strong limitations on the ability for the satellite to network with each other. The narrow optical beams provide jam-resistant, undetectable communications compared to traditional radio systems. Working with North East industrial partner Open Works, we will demonstrate a flight-ready prototype and analyse commercial opportunities across space and defence markets, creating pathways for UK technology commercialisation and high-value regional jobs.

More about the Project Lead:

Dr Amna Riaz is a Post-doctoral Research Associate, in the Space Technology Group at Northumbria University, where she leads the development of the FOCUS optical communications payload as part of ALIGN — the UK's first university-led multi-satellite free-space optical communications mission. Her work focuses on compact, high-speed inter-satellite link technology for CubeSats, targeting gigabit-class data rates at 1550 nm. She holds a DPhil in optical communications from the University of Oxford, United Kingdom and conducted postdoctoral research at McGill University, Canada. Dr Riaz is a recipient of the NESCA Round 2 award for her 14-month project on gimbal-stabilised optical communications for multi-domain applications, delivered in partnership with OpenWorks Engineering. She is passionate about advancing representation in space engineering and actively mentors the next generation of women in STEM.