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 technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringastronautical engineeringspacecraft
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyLiFi
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-BasedCoordinator
78140 VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.