Project description DEENESFRITPL The race between the internet and space The growth and spread of connected devices and the Internet of things (IoT) hinge on the further development of internet-related technologies. Optical internet will play an important role in the future of IoT and is well situated with the sharp rise of interest in the space industry. What’s more, the costs in these areas are already declining. This could bring internet access to the roughly 3 billion people who don’t have it. It could also allow for the rise of many start-ups in this sector. Unfortunately, atmospheric turbulence prevents proper optical uplinks to satellites, slowing any progress made. The EU-funded OpticalSpaceLink project will develop a solution using concepts derived from astronomical applications. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective The “OptialSpaceLink” mission of TOPTICA PROJECTS (PRO) is to position itself as a critical enabler for the next generation optical internet. Recently, the space industry has seen a dramatic transition from an industry almost exclusively addressed by governments and large corporations towards a fast moving industry driven by many start-ups, new ideas for business and applications and new horizons in thinking. The so-called NewSpace age is rising. Falling launch costs and strong investments in start-ups have resulted in steadily increasing optimism about future commercial use of space. Next generation Internet-via-Satellites is one of the reasons for this optimism and is going to happen within the next three to five years. This new kind of internet network has the potential to connect the more than three billion of people still unconnected on earth. It critically depends on fastest data backbone links from ground to satellite and vice versa, that can only be implemented with optical connections. Today, atmospheric turbulence prevents a proper optical uplink to the satellite. PRO’s OpticalSpaceLink addresses this technology gap with concepts derived from astronomical applications where PRO’s product defines today the state of the art. With a breakthrough solution, leveraging our core technology, OpticalSpaceLink changes the game of the worldwide optical space internet. Only OpticalSpaceLink will enable future space-based optical Internet. In addition, with this product PRO will open up a plurality of other space applications outside telecommunication. By its contribution to “connecting the unconnected”, this project brings multiple benefits to EU citizens, generates high-tech jobs and enables the channel for a fast growing new European industry. It will strengthen Europe’s position in the New Space-revolution and prevent it from being left behind in the next gold rush in space (Europe behind the NewSpace-revolution; Dr Tom Enders, CEO AIRBUS, Bremen, October 2018). Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesmeteorologyatmospheric circulationatmospheric turbulence Programme(s) H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs Main Programme H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies Topic(s) EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 - SME instrument Call for proposal H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-2 Funding Scheme SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2 Coordinator TOPTICA PROJECTS GMBH Net EU contribution € 2 494 226,00 Address LOCHHAMMER SCHLAG 19 82166 MUNCHEN Germany See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 3 563 181,25
