Space photonics: Disruptive satellite laser communications and astrophotonics

Panel description

Photonics is expected to play a key role in space applications as optics and fiber-optics penetrates into satellite payloads and photonic components and subsystems become integral functional parts of telecommunication, on-board signal distribution and/or remote sensing instrumentation.

The FCC has received more than 15 applications for constellations with several confirmed inter-satellite link designs relying on laser communications. On the other hand, space instrument science increasingly uses optics and photonics (e.g. fiber-based instruments) for Earth observation and astronomical exploration with operational requirements in extreme environments.

The panel discussed the technology development requirements, qualification deltas, cost targets and ground-based infrastructure required for volume manufacturing and/or integration of space photonic hardware. The panelsts also analyzed the challenges in designing and developing new generation of photonic instruments.

Organizers

• Stratos Kehayas, G&H
• Sergio Leon-Saval, University of Sydney, Australia

Speakers

• Stratos Kehayas, G&H
  Panel Introduction: Setting the scene (PDF)
• Morio Toyoshima, NICT, Japan
  Space Photonics: Trends, Applications and Societal Impact (PDF)
• Don Cornwell, NASA-HQ, USA
  Laser Communications and Astrophysics in 2030 (PDF)
• Rizwan Parvez, BRIDGESAT, USA
  Building High-speed Data Links from Space to Ground (PDF)
• John Schuster, LEOSAT, Netherlands
  Optical Networks in the Sky (PDF)
• Paul Serra, MIT, USA
  Miniaturizing Laser Terminals (PDF)
• Klaus Buchheim, Thales Alenia Space, Switzerland
  Laser Terminals for the Masses (PDF)
• Melanie Ott, NASA-GSFC, USA
  Developing and Qualifying Space Hardware (PDF)