Sign in
☰
People MPsHouse of LordsGovernmentOppositionPartiesCommittees Votes Commons votesLords votesVotes by issueTopicsStats & rankingsParliament in numbers Legislation BillsEarly day motionsPetitions Elections Election resultsConstituenciesWho is my MP? Scotland OverviewMSPsScottish GovernmentVotesBillsMotionsCommitteesConstituencies & regionsElections Search Sign in

Motion · S6M-14528 · 16 Sep 2024

Heriot-Watt University Breaks Ground on £2.5 Million Optical Ground Station

Lodged by Gordon MacDonald Standard Motion 19 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament welcomes what it sees as the ground-breaking news of the new Quantum Communications Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), which is located at Heriot-Watt University’s Research Park; understands that this £2.5 million facility will be a cutting-edge centre for satellite quantum-based communications and will allow the demonstration and testing of quantum technologies; recognises that the ground station will include a state-of-the-art telescope enhanced with adaptive optics, laser beacons, and two quantum receivers; believes that the facility will be essential in proving Scotland’s and the UK’s quantum capabilities, including creation of ultra-secure communications, tackling cyberattacks and supporting space environmentalism; considers that the facility further elevates Heriot-Watt University’s leading expertise in quantum communications and associated technologies; believes that the new facility represents a major step towards the creation of a space cluster on the University’s Edinburgh campus; understands that the facility is part of the Quantum Communications Hub project, funded through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, and involves collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Strathclyde, and York; notes that HOGS is expected to be fully operational by late autumn 2024, and wishes everyone involved in the project success in trialling new techniques and technologies for innovative research and development. 

Supporters (19)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.