Shetland’s MSP has welcomed the potential for a new space telecommunications development in the isles, which could also improve internet resilience for homes and businesss.

Hannah Mary Goodlad this week visited an Edinburgh laboratory which is dedicated to developing quantum-secured laser technology that could “establish the Shetland Islands as a leader in space telecommunications”.

Developers Rhea Space Activity UK (RSA UK) welcomed Ms Goodlad to the new laboratory for a briefing on its upcoming space-infrastructure project, which is hoped ot launch in the isles later this year.

The Shetland Communications Optical Terminal (Scot) is a state-of-the-art optical ground station slated for development at Sella Ness.

RSA said the project was aimed at “making Scotland competitive in the Arctic telecommunications market; supporting Shetland’s local telecommunications infrastructure (which has been disrupted by undersea cable failures); and serving as an anchor for future transmissions of space data.”

Speaking after the visit, Ms Goodlad said: “It was fascinating to visit RSA UK’s lab in Edinburgh and hear about their work on laser and quantum communications, which they reveal could become increasingly important in the coming years to help securely send information around the globe.”

“I’m pleased that a site in Shetland has been identified for a new project that could see their quantum and laser comms put to great use.

“Shetland’s prime position in the North Atlantic makes us a key location for industry, development and national security.”

RSA director Sai Venkat thanked Ms Goodlad for the “exciting opportunity” to show her around the laboratory and showcase the technology.

“Following our visit to Shetland, the Edinburgh laboratory will start deploying the quantum-secure laser communications technology to Shetland this winter,” Mr Venkat added.

“The importance of Shetland to our work cannot be overstated; the unique geographic location gives Scotland a special advantage when it comes to the deployment of many space-related technologies.

“We are excited to build the synergistic relationship between the Edinburgh laboratory and the Sella Ness Scot site in Shetland and will be updating the people of Shetland on these exciting opportunities in due course.”

Chief executive of RSA, Shawn Usman, said: “Quantum encryption is required as the telecommunications sector shifts from radio to optical communications for space-based data downlinks.

“Just as the Western world moved from coaxial to fibre-optic internet in the 2010s, all space telecommunications will be done with lasers by 2035.

“The Shetland Islands are the ideal location to build prolific, quantum-encrypted ground-to-space telecommunications utilising satellites as they orbit above the North Pole.”