SuperHero League Webinar: Photonics for Space Communications

Join G&H, OPTOMAN, ZYGO and Acktar for the latest SuperHero League technical webinar, exploring how photonic technologies can help create reliable, high-performance optical communications systems capable of operating in the demanding environment of space.

Taking place on 8 September 2026, Photonics for Space Communications will examine the engineering challenges that influence the performance of space-based optical links, including optical losses, coating degradation, noise, thermal effects, precision alignment and long-term system reliability.

G&H Expertise in Space Communications

Representing G&H will be Dr Peter Kean, R&D Director, who will bring G&H's experience in the development of high-reliability fiber-optic components, modules and photonic systems for demanding space applications.

Peter will focus on High-Power Fiber Amplifiers for Terabit-Class Space Communications. As satellite communications move toward terabit-class optical feeder links, achieving higher optical power is only part of the challenge. Power levels approaching 100 W introduce nonlinear effects, noise and other system-level constraints that can compromise signal quality and link performance. This presentation explores how high-power fiber amplifier design, channel planning and optical system architecture can be engineered together to balance power, efficiency, signal integrity and reliability for next-generation space communications.

G&H develops photonics technologies for satellite and free-space optical communications, including optical amplifiers, low SWAP-C transmitter and receiver amplifiers, custom optical assemblies, photonic packaging for harsh environments, and space-compatible components for amplifiers, transmitters, receivers, wavelength-division multiplexing and fiber couplers.

With optical communications systems required to maintain performance despite radiation, shock, vibration and changing thermal conditions, robust component design and system-level integration are critical. G&H combines photonic component expertise with packaging, thermal management, optical integration and manufacturing capabilities to support the development of reliable next-generation space communications systems.

What the Webinar Will Explore

The programme consists of four technical presentations followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The technical presentations and panel discussion will consider topics including:

• Optical loss and its impact on the overall communications link
• Maintaining beam and wavefront quality
• Optical coating performance and degradation
• Thermal effects on precision optical systems
• Alignment and stability requirements
• Noise and its impact on signal performance
• Fiber coupling and optical link efficiency
• Designing photonic components for vacuum and harsh environments
• Long-term reliability and radiation exposure
• The importance of considering individual photonic components as part of the complete optical system

Key Speakers & Modulator

• Dr Peter Kean R&D Director, G&H
• Richard Pultar Optical Systems Engineer, ZYGO
• Martynas Adomaitis Market Development Manager, OPTOMAN
• Alexander Telle CEO, ACM Coatings GmbH / Acktar
• Modulator - Dr Markus Kogel-Hollacher Executive Director, AKL e.V.

The event is designed for engineers, researchers and technical decision-makers working across space communications, optical systems, laser technologies and related photonics applications.