Honeywell’s latest atmospheric sensing technology will help lower costs and improve efficiency of optical communication in satellites
LONDON, Sept. 13, 2023 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) and Aegiq, a quantum networking and computing company, have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a comprehensive solution to enable more precise and cost-effective design and deployment of space payloads and related ground assets. The collaboration intends to combine Honeywell’s atmospheric sensing technology and Aegiq’s emulation toolkit for link performance of optical communication technologies used by small satellites.
“A solution that utilizes our expertise blends two proven technologies to enable precise evaluation of secure optical communication links within real-time atmospheric conditions producing critical information for system design and cost analyses,” said Maksym Sich, chief executive officer, Aegiq.
Aegiq’s Atlas toolkit simulates the performance of free-space optical and quantum communication networks, and specifically quantum key distribution (QKD), enabling insight into network performance metrics. Honeywell’s high-altitude LiDAR atmospheric sensing (HALAS) is a remotely operated, ground-based weather information system that provides near real-time, high-altitude atmospheric measurements in as little as three minutes. The HALAS system sends as many as 10 laser pulses per second into the sky over a targeted area of interest and provides more accurate readings than data from weather balloons at altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet (30 kilometers).
Although the path of a weather balloon is unpredictable, HALAS users can pinpoint where in the atmosphere weather data is needed, and that location can be adjusted quickly and easily.
According to McKinsey & Company research, the number of satellite communications launches has grown by about 15% a year since 2017. Looking ahead to 2030, McKinsey anticipates as many as 65,000 new communications satellites and 3,000 noncommunications satellites.
Currently used approaches suffer from inefficiencies and rely on deploying weather-monitoring solutions and analyzing data after collection, typically after a set time. A Honeywell-Aegiq solution intends to incorporate real-time atmospheric data obtained by HALAS into a tool that simulates the link performance between space and ground assets. The solution aims to allow operators to evaluate data rate and quantum key rates at a set location quickly and with more accuracy than currently possible, and to enable precise ground station to satellite link communication, so that the asset can be redeployed if required.
“The data from our solution can inform the design and launch of satellites and ground operations, helping customers reduce operational costs while also reducing unsuccessful missions caused by marginal weather conditions. We look forward to working with the team at Aegiq, and their quantum technology competence, to deliver this unique capability,” said Matt Wiebold, offering management director for HALAS, Honeywell Aerospace.
Honeywell and Aegiq intend to work together to define a product development roadmap based on customer feedback that includes HALAS, Atlas and other potential adjacent product developments in the design and deployment of optical communication, networking and sensing for both space and ground segments.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. It’s hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
About Aegiq
Aegiq is a quantum networking and computing company on a mission to make quantum technology practical. Offering a portfolio of products and solutions covering frontier cybersecurity, quantum networking, quantum-enhanced sensing, and quantum computing, Aegiq helps governments and global leaders in R&D, telecommunications, defence & aerospace, financial, and advanced manufacturing sectors to stay ahead of the tech curve.
To find out more, visit www.aegiq.com or follow on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/aegiq) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/aegiq_tech).
Contacts:
Honeywell
Juliet Collins-Achong
+44 7787 282932
juliet.collins-achong@honeywell.com
Aegiq
Ben McCarthy
+44 7740 486728
aegiq@luther.co.uk