Intra Satellite Fibre Optic Links Workshop

ESTEC,  10th & 11th December 2015

Introduction
Despite fibre optics being seen no longer as a novelty in space, but as a real enabler through some very successful missions such as SMOS, where a fibre optic harness was a key element in the success of the of the L band SAR on this earth observing satellite, we have still not progressed far from using this technology simply as demonstration. This workshop was intended to act as a catalyst to stimulate the desire of the leaders in this field to push on with the industrialization and standardization of the technology so that it can find new applications within the field of spacecraft engineering, taking advantage of the unique benefits offered by fibre optics, namely; EMI/EMC, reduced mass and improved flexibility of the harness and reduced power consumption. This event was an opportunity to present the current status of the development of such fibre optic links, refine the areas of applications, and define roadmaps for next steps.


Objective
The objectives of this workshop were the following:
·    To establish dialogue between those at the forefront of this technology and the Space Agencies who wish to benefit from the progress being made.
·    To identify the main achievements and challenges posed by this technology.
·    Learn of new and emerging applications such as secure intra satellite communications.
·    To promote fruitful exchange of ideas within the community itself.
·    To see how best the Agency can harness the expertise here in Europe to achieve advances in specific targeted space applications.
·    To learn from other harsh environments where this technology is being employed.


Scope
The workshop was a 1.5 day workshop, starting early on Thursday 10th December and finishing lunchtime on Friday 11th December. Workshop was split into a number of sessions each session addressing different elements, covering:
·    Application needs and expected performances across the domains of Telecom, Earth Observation and Scientific satellites.
·    Emerging satellite communication standards such as SpaceFibre, CANBus and VITA, and the latest evolution in avionic architectures.
·    Results from ESA hardware activities, starting from components development, followed by feasibility demonstrators and finishing with flight experience.
·    Standardisation and product assurance processes.
After each session a short panel session was held to open the workshop for discussion.

At the end of the workshop a final panel was organized to define a roadmap for the way-forward for the next years of development.

Contributions covering any of the following topics were encouraged:
·    Space applications for fibre optics in spacecraft engineering, covering all major themes from Telecom, EO, Science, Launcher and Planetary Exploration.
·    Results from the testing of fibre optic components and systems for space applications
·    Lessons learnt from roll out of fibre optics in other harsh environments
·    IOD of fibre optics
·    Standardisation and product assurance for fibre optics
·    Emerging communication standards applicable to space
·    Latest developments and trends in spacecraft avionics
This is not a comprehensive list of topics, and additional topics were encouraged if they are in
keeping with the general scope of the meeting.

Thursday 10th of December

Agenda

SPACE NEEDS

10:20	C65Space Hardened Design Platform
Laurent Hili, ESA
10:40	Fibre Optics: Trends in Spacecraft Avionics
Gianluca Furano, ESA
11:00	Next Generation of High Throughput Telecom Satellite Payloads Using Optical Interconnects
Javad Anzalchi, Airbus
11:20	Digital Fibre Optic Link Applications and Challenges: A System Integrator Perspective
Norbert Venet, TAS
12:00	Space Fibre
Steve Parkes, Dundee University
12:20	Panel Discussion - Draft Space Fibre Standard (Physical Layer)
Steve Parkes, Dundee University Technology - Transceivers
14:00             Fibre-Optic Transceivers for Space Mikko Karppinen, VTT
14:15	Optoelectronic Solution for Harsh Environements
Vincent Foucal, Radiall, D-lightsys

14:30	Active Optical Cable (AOC) for Satellite Harness Substitution
Olga Navasquillo , DASPhotonics
14:45	Fibre Optic Transceiver Status
Chuck Tabbert, Ultracomm
15:00              Ruggedized Photonic Components for Aerospace Applications
Davinder Basuita, Glanair
Technolgoy Connectors
15:15             Fibre Optic Cable Assemblies for Space Applications
Hendrik Samuelsson, T&G Elektro
15:30             Intra-satellite Fibre Optic Links: Diamond Activities
Frederic Taugwalder, Diamond
15:45             EU FP7 MERLIN Research Project
Mikko Karppinen, VTT
16:00             Lessons Learnt from Fibre Optics in Aircraft
Andrew Lee, AVoptics Ltd
FRIDAY - 11th December
9:00                Photonics Packaging for Chip to Chip Communications
Geert van Steenberge, IMEC
9:20                Photonically wired spacecraft panels
Andreas Hurni, OHB
9:40                 Draka Optical Fibres
Gerard Kuyt, Prysmiam Group
Standardisation and Qualification of Photonic Components
10:20                 ESA Photonic Components Qualification Activities
Charlotte Bringer, ESA
10:40                 Deploying VCSELs for Space Applications: Reliability and Procurement Guide
Sarah Wittig, ESA
11:00                 Procurement of Photonic Components and ESCC
Charlotte Bringer, ESA