Craft Prospect has launched the PERSEUS project in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics and Vector Photonics. The initiative focuses on evaluating Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers for space applications.
The project aims to determine if PCSEL technology can support high-performance optical communications for space-to-space and space-to-ground networks. It will address limitations of current RF and optical systems.
PERSEUS involves subjecting PCSEL devices to radiation, vibration, and thermal-vacuum testing. The team will also conduct long-range, high-bandwidth demonstrations to verify performance.
The research is funded by the Advanced Connectivity Technologies programme, delivered by Innovate UK and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The program was announced on 9 September 2026.
Kevin Quillien from Craft Prospect leads the project. Other key participants include Gerald Bonner from Fraunhofer CAP, and Richard Taylor and Graham Goldberg from Vector Photonics.
