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Free-space Optical Communications for Aerial-sateLlite networks

Project description

Limitless connectivity with free-space optical communications

Radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits. Without an alternative, it will be impossible to provide internet access to the billions of people currently lacking it. Optical communication accommodates a much larger bandwidth and enhances data security via quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are already being deployed. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the FOCAL project aims to prepare Europe’s young minds for the potential explosion in aerial and space optical nodes as a new communication network in the skies. FOCAL will create a doctoral training network focused on aerial and space optical wireless technologies for future telecommunications networks with endless connectivity, superb resilience and quantum-proof security.

Objective

With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes.
The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co-supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands-on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01

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Coordinator

ECOLE CENTRALE DE MARSEILLE EGIM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 565 387,20
Address
RUE FREDERIC JOLIOT CURIE 38 TECHNOPOLE CHATEAU GOMBERT
13383 Marseille Cedex 13
France

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Region
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Bouches-du-Rhône
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Participants (11)

Partners (14)

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