Craft Prospect is working with Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fraunhofer CAP) and Vector Photonics on a new project exploring the potential of next-generation laser technology for high-performance optical communications in space.
PERSEUS (PCSEL Environmental and Radiation Sensitivity: Evaluation for Use in Space) will investigate whether a promising new laser technology called Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSELs) is suitable for operation in space and can offer a differentiated capability for both space-to-space and space/ground networks.
The project will evaluate the technology under conditions relevant to space deployment, demonstrate its compatibility with representative spacecraft hardware, and identify the next engineering steps required to move towards a commercial solution.
The project is funded through the Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) programme, delivered by Innovate UK and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The ACT R&D Programme was announced by Minister Ian Murray during his speech at Connected Britain on 9 September 2026.
Exploring a new approach to optical communications
PCSEL technology offers the potential to address some of the limitations of existing optical and RF communications systems in space, supporting the move towards longer-range, higher-capacity, and more secure free-space optical links between ground stations, satellites, and potentially deeper-space assets.
By bridging the gap between component and space system, PERSEUS will chart a course from disruptive technology to differentiated on-orbit capability for the fast-growing space market.
From device testing to spacecraft integration
The PERSEUS programme will subject PCSELs to a range of test campaigns expected of space qualified technologies, as well as carrying out long-range, high-bandwidth free-space demonstrations to showcase early performance.
PCSEL devices will undergo characterisation and testing, including radiation, vibration, and thermal-vacuum campaigns, to better our understanding of how the technology fares in the launch and space environments.
Furthermore, the project will demonstrate early integration success with other flight-representative hardware for end-to-end data transmission, and develop mission concepts that harness the unique capabilities of PCSELs.
The findings will feed into a future communications system design concept and help define the engineering roadmap required to progress PCSEL technology towards a differentiated space communications solution.
Bringing together photonics and space engineering expertise
At Craft Prospect, Head of Engineering Kevin Quillien is serving as Project Lead, supported by Chief Engineer Paul Yarr and Systems Engineers Lauryn Atkinson and Kairavi Pandit.
At Fraunhofer CAP, Dr Gerald Bonner is subcontract lead, while at Vector Photonics Dr Richard Taylor serves as subcontract lead and Dr Graham Goldberg as Project Manager.
The project also builds on Craft Prospect’s growing quantum-optical communications capability, including our work on OPS-SAT VOLT, where we are developing and testing space-to-ground free-space quantum and optical communications technologies as part of our wider mission to deliver Smart Secure Space.
Kevin Quillien, Project Lead and Head of Engineering Craft Prospect, said of the project:
‘PERSEUS is an exciting opportunity to take a promising new photonics technology and understand the potential it has to offer the space industry.
‘By carrying out all the necessary early-stage work to test and characterise PCSELs for space, we will build a strong understanding of the potential that the technology offers in building the next generation of communication solutions. We’re looking forward to working with Fraunhofer CAP and Vector Photonics to explore where this roadmap will take us.’
About Craft Prospect
Craft Prospect is a Glasgow-based space engineering company advancing its vision of Smart Secure Space through onboard intelligence, quantum technologies, and satellite subsystem innovation. Learn more here.
About Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics
Fraunhofer CAP is a not-for-profit research and technology organisation (RTO) offering industry a professional development capability in the fields of photonics, lasers and quantum technologies. Learn more about Fraunhofer CAP here.
About Vector Photonics
Vector Photonics Limited, based in Glasgow, is advancing its revolutionary, proprietary, PCSEL technology from proven R&D and commercial fab environments to high-volume manufacturing. Further information can be found here
