Project Leader: Prof. Piotr Kolenderski, Nicolaus Copernicus University
The challenges of long-distance communication have highlighted the need to build technological sovereignty to ensure national security. In Poland, there are numerous groups developing advanced technologies, but their activities remain fragmented. The aim of the project is to integrate these solutions, identify missing components, and define technological requirements. Key elements of the infrastructure are already being developed at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
Compared to traditional radio-frequency (RF) communication, optical communication offers significantly higher data throughput, making it a suitable medium for fast information transfer using satellite links. Its drawback, however, is susceptibility to weather conditions and turbulence. Therefore, radio communication—particularly satellite-based 5G/6G networks—remains equally important.
Transmission security is a priority. Quantum communication protocols, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), provide a higher level of data protection. Combining quantum, optical, and radio (5G/6G) technologies will enable the creation of a global, resilient, and secure communication infrastructure.
Situational awareness is also of critical importance. SSA/SST (Space Situational Awareness / Space Surveillance and Tracking) technologies use ground-based optical stations equipped with telescopes to observe satellites and space debris. Secure, high-speed data transfer, supported by optical and 5G/6G systems with the involvement of quantum technologies, also enables precise time and frequency transfer—crucial for synchronizing critical infrastructure such as power grids or financial systems. Due to limited and costly computational resources, processing large datasets requires highly optimized, specialized algorithms. These make it possible to conduct rapid and reliable analysis of SSA/SST data.
The project is based on close interdisciplinary collaboration. Astronomers from the Institute of Astronomy at NCU support the development of optical and radio communication systems, leveraging telescope networks within the OPTICON and RadioNet consortia. Computer scientists from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science develop advanced data-processing algorithms. The FAMOLab team, experts in optical atomic clocks, is responsible for advancing free-space time and frequency transfer. This combination of expertise enables a comprehensive assessment of project feasibility and the definition of technological requirements.
The project aims to develop components ready for further advancement with external funding (NCBR, ESA). The generated intellectual property will be protected by EU and US patents, building on the project leader’s track record in IP protection.