Project description
Compact lidar system to detect small space debris
A vast amount of space debris orbits the Earth, posing a serious threat to satellites and future missions due to the risk of collisions. To tackle this, the EIC-funded SPIDAR project is developing a low-cost, easy-to-deploy system capable of detecting small debris as tiny as 1 mm. The system will employ photonic integrated circuit-based lidar technology, and the project will design a gallium arsenide-based lidar device and test its functionality in the lab. This compact lidar system will be smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient, making it ideal for CubeSats and enhancing overall space situational awareness.
Objective
The SPIDAR project addresses the growing threat of space debris by developing a low-cost, easily deployable system for in-situ detection of small space debris (SSD) using photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based lidar technology. SSD, particularly debris smaller than 10 cm in size is challenging to detect with traditional methods such as ground-based radar but still poses significant risks to operational satellites. SPIDAR will leverage the advantages of photonic integration to create an efficient, compact CubeSat-compatible lidar system capable of detecting debris as small as 1 mm in a virtual detection area of 1 m². This project involves development of a novel gallium arsenide (GaAs) based PIC platform with laser output power >500 mW and a wavelength near 1 µm. This system will drastically reduce size, weight, and power consumption compared to similar lidars at this wavelength, making it suitable for small satellites like CubeSats.
The project is divided into three key goals: the design and fabrication of the GaAs-based lidar PIC; demonstration of lidar functionality in a laboratory setting; and the development and validation of a satellite payload demonstrator. The lidar system will use a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) architecture, with all essential transmitter components integrated on a single chip. SPIDAR will demonstrate its ability to detect SSD in a lab environment and validate the system's performance through environmental testing to ensure its suitability for space deployment.
By developing a CubeSat-compatible, PIC-based lidar system, the SPIDAR project contributes to the protection of space infrastructure by enabling more accurate mapping and detection of SSD in low Earth orbit. The scalable, low-cost nature of this technology makes it a critical tool for future space debris monitoring missions, enhancing space situational awareness and mitigating collision risks.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors optical sensors
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01
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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.
02150 Espoo
Finland
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.