EUROPEAN SPACE-GRADE OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS FOR HIGH SPEED INTRA-SATELLITE INTERCONNECTS AND FREE SPACE LASERCOM LINKS

ongoing

In the current booming satellite ecosystem, optical communications are now the champions of data handling. They are a must for super-capacity transmission systems, and they are a must for smaller and lighter payloads. The core enabling technology of these systems is the Optical Transceiver. In its most advanced versions, it is deployed either in the form of VCSEL-based or as integrated coherent lightwave modules. These complex products encompass diverse technologies such as lasers, electronic and photonic chips, micro-optics, optical and electrical interfaces, all in sophisticated miniature packaging. European sovereignty in producing such critical devices is of strategic importance, but to this date, a continental supply chain is missing. This is where SPACELINK come to play: SPACELINK is a natural evolution of H2020-SPACE-ORIONAS and SIPHODIAS – two successful EU funded projects, which have demonstrated optical transceiver circuits and modules to TRL >4, establishing the groundwork for the evolution and delivery of flight-ready hardware. SPACELINK is set-up to take the next step and through its manufacturing, assembly, integration and test campaign, will evolve the technology maturity and demonstrate flight-ready parts at TRL 7. SPACELINK aims to establish the first European supply chain of hi-rel optical transceivers, removing dependency barriers and securing Europe’s digital sovereignty. Leveraging high-end technologies in which Europe has and continues to invest, SPACELINK will deliver optical transceivers made in cost-effective wafer-scale fabrication. SPACELINK will deliver VCSEL-based and photonic integrated circuit systems that will challenge US-made solutions with drastic improvements in Size Weight and Power performance and manufacturability.