Disruptive Communication System based on LiFi technology for Spacecrafts and Aerospace Infrastructure

Project Information

SATELLIFE

Grant agreement ID: 190121010

DOI 10.3030/190121010

Project closed

EC signature date 8 July 2022

Start date 1 December 2021

End date 30 November 2023

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost € 3 944 916,25

EU contribution € 2 500 000,00

Coordinated by

OLEDCOMM SAS
France

Project description

Cheaper satellites by ditching wire cables

The next 10 years could see some 50 000 satellites launched into orbit. That’s if costs continue to come down. The EU-funded SATELLIFE project aims to support this endeavour by replacing the wired (coppered) signal harnesses that are used for data transmission within the satellites, and account for up to 10 % of their weight. The high complexity of existing harnesses also creates manufacturing difficulties. SATELLIFE will develop the first light-fidelity (LiFi)-based wireless connection technology, using light instead of wires to transmit data. Getting rid of cables will reduce both manufacturing and launch costs.

Objective

Over the next decade, the space industry expects to launch 50,000 satellites in orbit. However, the long-term success of this plan requires substantial cost reductions, explicitly to weight and material costs of satellites. Wired (coppered) signal harnesses are used for data transmission on communication buses within the satellite and account for up to 10% of the total dry mass of a satellite. The high weight, density and complexity of the satellite harnesses represent a substantial pain for manufacturers and an opportunity for innovation and market disruption. Based on feasibility studies with project partners in the space industry, Oledcomm has developed SATELLIFE, the first LiFi (light fidelity)-based wireless connection technology which utilizes light to transmit data. Replacing cables in a spacecraft with SATELLIFE allows a simplification of validation & manufacturing,huge weight reduction and cost reduction.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › astronautical engineering › spacecraft
• engineering and technology › mechanical engineering › vehicle engineering › aerospace engineering › satellite technology
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › information engineering › telecommunications › radio technology › LiFi

Programme(s)

• HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
• HORIZON.3.1.2 - The Accelerator

Topic(s)

• HORIZON-EIC-2021-ACCELERATOROPEN-01 - EIC Accelerator Open 2021

Call for proposal

HORIZON-EIC-2021-ACCELERATOROPEN-01

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based

Coordinator

OLEDCOMM SAS

• Net EU contribution: € 2 500 000,00
• Address: 10-12 AVENUE DE L'EUROPE ; 78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY ; France
• SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes:
  Region
  Ile-de-France › Ile-de-France › Yvelines
• Region: Ile-de-France › Ile-de-France › Yvelines
• Activity type: Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
• Total cost: € 3 944 916,25