Three billion people worldwide still lack broadband internet, and the radio-frequency satellites that currently serve them are running out of capacity. Free-space optical communications—using lasers to beam data through the air—could replace or supplement those radio links, offering far higher data rates and the ability to integrate quantum encryption for security. The FOCAL project trains doctoral researchers to build the fundamental science and engineering needed for a new kind of communication network: a layered system of optical nodes on satellites, high-altitude drones, and aircraft that together form a resilient, high-capacity backbone in the sky. If successful, this work could extend high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions without laying fibre, while also making critical infrastructure—such as emergency services, air traffic control, and financial networks—more secure against eavesdropping. The project is applied, not purely curiosity-driven: it tackles specific technical hurdles, such as maintaining a laser link through turbulent atmosphere and pointing beams accurately between fast-moving platforms. The consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners across eight countries ensures that the trained researchers will move directly into a European industrial sector that already sees optical intersatellite links as a near-term commercial reality.
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With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes. The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.
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