The objectives of SODaH (Software Defined Space Optical Data Highway) are to mature the key photonic technologies in order to enable the implementation of an OISL (Optical Inter Satellites Links) based “Fiber like Network” in the sky for next generation satellites constellations. In such architectures, satellites are the nodes of a moving network interconnected by OISL, that have to address end users (citizens, corporate users, governmental, machines) with an ubiquitous and reliable coverage at high throughput (100 Mbps).
If the Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) are now a mature and flight proven technology for high end applications, their efficient use and integration in transparent, reconfigurable and smart miniaturized telecom payload is still a challenge. A Photonic Modulation,
Routing and Digitalization (P_MRD) Unit which performs the interface between the satellites OISLs (typically four per satellite) and the payload digital processor (connected to end users and gateway via RF antennas) is key to enable flexibility, efficient routing, redundancy, and advanced multiplexing of signals.
In the frame of SODaH, the photonic equipment of a miniaturized P_MRD unit (photonic sources using DWDM standard, MUX/DEMUX, an optical switch matrix, Low noise amplifier, and photonic receiver) will be developed in a design to cost and design to manufacture approach. This will assure their market relevance and readiness, by leveraging high performances terrestrial communication photonic components on one hand and radiation screened reliable automotive EEE components on the other hands.
Eventually demonstrators of key device will be manufactured and environmentally tested before to be assembled and tested together to demonstrate the added value and maturity of the P_MRD Unit. The demonstrator will be made available for showcase to the communication satellite community for paving the way for a short path from lab to market
At KO main preliminary objectives are summarized at 4 levels
Objective 1: Consolidate concepts of LEO broadband constellations using Optical Inter Satellite Links and RF Up/Down links enabling an optical space data highway with :
• Global coverage with a total capacity of 10 Tbps
• With a baseline of 300 LEO Satellites with OISL and RF beam steering antennas
• Internet access with 100 Mbps/s and latency below 0.03 sec for end users
• Seamless integration in 5G network
This first set of objective are to be confirmed by the initial analysis of existing constellations and possible steps with SODaH architecture and design
Objective 2: Demonstrate the feasibility of such a “Software Defined”, “Hybrid Photonic/Digital” payload :
• Able to handle & route signals in between end users, gateways or OISL through a DPU : 32 Gbps signals from RF user links, 18 Gbps from Gateway, 4x 30 Gbps multiplexed OISL
• Compatible with a low cost access to space with COST based design
• Compatible with production of hundreds of Flight Models per year with design to cost approach
• With a miniaturized SWaP (Size < 1 m3, Weight < 200 kg, and Power < 1 kW) compatible with small LEO satellites
Objective 3: Develop and qualify to TRL 5 the key technologies necessary for the Photonic, Modulation, Routing and Digitalization Unit PMR_D of such payloads
Objective 4: Demonstrate the performances and potential of this payload concept and equipment with a Photonic Modulation, Routing, and Digitalization Unit demonstrator
