UK optical communications company Archangel Lightworks has completed test operations of its ultra-compact mobile optical ground station, TERRA-M, for laser links with low Earth orbit satellites. The company says the system is the world’s smallest deployable optical ground station meeting the U.S. Space Development Agency’s laser communications standards. It says the design emphasises small size and mobility, and could be useful for remote, temporary or defence-related communications needs.

The petrodollar system is being shaken by the fallout from the U.S.-Iran war, with signs of cracks in the dollar-based structure for global oil trade. War risk in the Gulf has raised concern about dollar shortages, and UAE officials have discussed possible financial backstops with the United States. Iran is reported to have imposed yuan-denominated passage fees in the Strait of Hormuz and has also signalled possible use of bitcoin-based fees.