Project programme: Advanced Technology

Home   /  SATSITY

SATSITY

SATellite-level spatial diverSITY

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 11/08/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 3A.202
SATSITY

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Objectives

Traditionally, satellite communication dedicates separate frequency bands for uplink and downlink. However, in certain frequency bands, the same frequency is allocated for both.

To achieve simultaneous transmit/receive on a single frequency band, this project develops a VHF-to-C-band satellite communication system concept, utilising distinct transmit-only and receive-only satellites for user links. This includes a user terminal and protocols for data and signaling via these separate uplink and downlink satellites. Key to full spectrum use are the constellation architecture, air interface protocol, and satellite spatial diversity.

Challenges

Several challenges must be addressed:

  • Assess the air interface protocol’s properties to verify its support for simultaneous up/down links.
  • Design a constellation of satellites, each solely capable of transmitting or receiving, along with a synchronisation technique.
  • Develop an RF front-end that implements spatial diversity at the satellite level.

Balance the entire system, considering the simplicity of constellation management, synchronization requirements, the effective use of inter-satellite links, networking to manage multiple simultaneous links, and overall solution cost.

System Architecture

Two primary use cases are envisioned: a maritime VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) satellite communication application and a Low Data Rate Mobile Satellite System (LDRMSS) IoT solution. These differ in their air interface protocols and frequency bands. The VDES application adheres to ITU VDE-SAT recommendations and operates in the VHF band. The LDRMSS solution operates in a new proposed satellite L-band (WRC resolution 252).

Multiple constellation architectures are assessed, in particular with and without data-relay links. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are always included, while medium Earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites are considered based on a benefit trade-off analysis.

Plan

The project plan foresees a unique phase which includes the following milestones after the kick-off meeting (T0):

  • Use cases consolidation (T0+1M)
  • Requirements Review (T0+4M)
  • Preliminary Design Review (T0+5M)
  • Critical Design Review (T0+7M)
  • Test Readiness Review (T0+11M)
  • Test Review Board (T0+15M and T0+17M)
  • Final Review (T0+18M)

The planned total duration of the project is 18 months.

Current Status

The project has just begun, following the kick-off meeting.

Companies

DWave S.r.l.
DWave S.r.l.
https://www.dwave.it/
Italy
M.B.I S.r.l.
M.B.I S.r.l.
https://www.mbigroup.it/
Italy
Home   /  PANTSAT

PANTSAT

Path Awareness Techniques for Transport Protocols over Satellite

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness System/ Network/ Protocols
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 31/07/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 3A.157
PANTSAT

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Objectives

To develop and test Path Aware Networking (PAN) techniques for low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO) or geostationary orbit (GEO) systems with dynamic bandwidth allocation and oversubscription and for hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks, with multiple network paths.

Challenges

Study and implement new technologies to transform satellite constellations into space network infrastructures, seamlessly and transparently connected to terrestrial networks.

System Architecture

In terrestrial networks, Path Aware Networking (PAN) is an emerging networking concept designed to address the unpredictable issues of modern networks regarding bandwidth availability, transmission latency, reliability and security.

PAN could present significant advantages for space networks connected in transparent and seamless way to terrestrial networks (see diagram below) overpassing the current constraints in implementing the packet traffic in the space segment, improving also the capability to implement encrypted traffic flows such as with IPSec based VPNs.

  • Connection beyond Earth: Multi-orbit satellite constellations can extend internet access beyond terrestrial limits, forming a Satellite-PAN (S-PAN) that enhances global coverage and connectivity.
  • Constant connectivity: Satellites positioned with clear views of the sky ensure reliable connectivity worldwide. They function as dependable intermediate nodes that remain operational during terrestrial disasters such as storms or earthquakes.
  • Improved navigation: A global PAN would allow users not only to set destinations but also to select optimal routes, akin to how travellers assess traffic conditions, ultimately enhancing navigation efficiency.
  • Traffic awareness and path Selection: Users could evaluate traffic conditions across the global network, enabling them to opt for less congested routes. The ability to choose paths increases flexibility and improves communication efficacy.
  • Packet ubiquity and reliability: Through multipath and multicast capabilities, PAN allows multiple copies of packets to traverse different routes simultaneously. This enhances the likelihood of successful delivery, especially beneficial for streaming services and real-time data transmission.
  • Source verification: With a PAN, destinations can verify if incoming packets travelled through secure paths, reducing risks such as spoofing while ensuring data integrity.
  • Enhanced security: Satellites are advantageous for long-distance communication, due to the fewer hops involved in a transmission path. With consistent security measures in place, a direct connection between two continents via one or two satellites can be safer than relying on multiple terrestrial nodes.

Plan

The project duration is 24 months. T0 began at the end of 2023.

Current Status

Close to finish at end of 2025.

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
Consorzio per la Ricerca nell’Automatica e nelle Telecomunicazioni (CRAT)
https://www.crat.eu/
Italy
Research Institutes of Sweden (RI.SE)
Research Institutes of Sweden (RI.SE)
https://www.ri.se/en
Sweden
Home   /  BEACON

BEACON

W-band Integrated Active Receive Front-End

Advanced Technology Core Competitiveness Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 14/07/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.432
BEACON

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Objectives

In this activity, a W-band integrated active receive front-end module at an operating frequency of 81 to 86 GHz was investigated. The module is based on Fraunhofer IAF’s ultra low-noise 50-nm metamorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors (mHEMTs) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) technology. It doubles the channel capacity by separating and amplifying both the Left-Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) components. At the same time, the project targets a significant reduction in noise figure performance as compared to previous W-Band Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) modules.

To that end, this activity covers both the design of novel low-noise amplifiers as well as their seamless integration in a frontend module that features a square or circular waveguide as input and a coaxial output connector for each polarization. One important aspect of the project is the lateral size requirement of less than 3λ for the entire module, which includes all RF components as well as the biasing circuitry. To separate the two incoming polarizations, several novel and ultra-compact polarizer implementations were considered in terms of their size, insertion loss and manufacturability. Furthermore, the project also targets a significant improvement of the noise figure to below 3.5 dB, while maintaining a gain value in excess of 30 dB. Also, the project team investigated ways to implement compact and high-performance out-of-band rejection filters, such that signals below the frequency range of interest are attenuated significantly.

Challenges

The key challenges of this activity include both the investigation of novel ultra-low noise amplifier MMICs and suitable module integration solutions.

More specifically, the MMIC investigation targets an amplifier that simultaneously features high gain and input return loss, an excellent noise figure and compactness.

The module on the other hand must exhibit a maximum footprint of 3λ (10.8 mm) in both dimensions of the antenna. Within this space, a multitude of functions must be realized: this includes the polarizer, waveguide transitions to two individual amplifiers, two coaxial output connectors and associated DC bias circuitry.

System Architecture

The W-band receive-front end consists of a waveguide input that supports LHCP/RHCP modes (square waveguide). The input signal feeds a polarizer, after which the signal is routed to two separate low-noise amplifier MMICs. A transmit rejection filter attenuates unwanted signals from the transmit path. The two amplified signals are then routed to coaxial output connectors. A DC biasing system provides accurate gate and drain voltages for each of the amplifier’s stages.

Plan

In the first work package, an overview of suitable semiconductor technologies and components is compiled. A baseline architecture and a verification plan are developed. Work package 2 entails design and processing of the critical components. In the third work package, a preliminary design baseline is established. WP four contains the development of implementation, test and verification plans. A second iteration of design, manufacturing and assessment of the required elements is allocated in work package 5. This work package also entails assembly and full characterization of the complete module. In WP6, the results are evaluated and a roadmap is laid out for commercialisation.

Current Status

The project has been successfully completed.

Companies

Fraunhofer IAF
Fraunhofer IAF
http://www.iaf.fraunhofer.de/
Germany
Radiometer Physics GmbH
Radiometer Physics GmbH
http://www.radiometer-physics.de/rpg/html/Home.html
Germany
Home   /  KASOM

KASOM

High Throughput Ka-Band Integrated Analogue and Digital System on Module

Space Segment - Platform
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 13/06/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5E.021

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Objectives

The main objective is the specification, design, bread-boarding and test of a Ka-band flexible and reconfigurable system-on-module (SoM), centred on a highly integrated hardware and software programmable Radio Frequency (RF) system-on-chip (SoC). It includes the RF, analogue and digital functions.

A scaled engineering model of the proposed Ka-band SoM, based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, is manufactured. It consists of an assembly of several custom-design printed circuit boards, comprising basically a main board with the monolithic RF SoC (including specific firmware and software) and analogue circuits at a high intermediate frequency and daughter RF boards for the frequency down-conversion and up-conversion from or to Ka-band. It is representative of a Ka-band SoM payload equipment for a small low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite in form, fit and critical functions.

We demonstrate its flexibility, adaptability, and configurability in terms of frequency allocation, channel bandwidth, data rate, waveform, switching, multiplexing, beam forming, etc., through several different applications. Its performance and capabilities in terms of noise figure, frequency stability, phase noise, throughput, bit error ratio (for a regenerative payload), etc, are verified.

The project increases the technology readiness level of the intended Ka-band SoM payload equipment to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5.

Challenges

The key challenges in this activity are the miniaturization, integration, and reduced power consumption of state-of-the-art technology, for optimising the size, weight, and power (SWaP) and ensuring the compatibility with small LEO satellites.

We target high-end and reproducible performance, through a largely digital implementation that avoids most of the analogue imperfections, imbalances, temperature variations and ageing effects, and compensates for those of the RF front-ends with digital techniques.

System Architecture

The Ka-band SoM is an advanced software-defined satellite communication payload for small LEO satellites. It provides:

  • a receiving antenna sub-system with eight input RF interfaces at Ka-band, with gain control
  • a transmitting antenna sub-system with 8 output RF interfaces at Ka-band
  • a digital TM/TC interface with the on-board computer

 

Plan

The activity is organised in four tasks:

  • Task 1: Overview of state of the art constellations and comparable products, and their usage of bandwidth and beamforming, followed by derivation of a set of finalised technical specifications and a preliminary design;
  • Task 2: A detailed design justified by mathematical and simulated performance, and implementation of the scaled EM;
  • Task 3: Validation of function and performance, of the scaled EM;
  • Task 4: A technology assessment and development plan

The following milestones applied: SRR, BR, PDR, DDR, TRR, and FR.

Current Status

The SRR datapack is delivered for review.

Companies

Antwerp Space N.V.
Antwerp Space N.V.
http://www.antwerpspace.be/
Belgium
Home   /  Tawny DDBF

Tawny DDBF

Tawny Beamforming (DDBF) ASIC

Advanced Technology User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 11/06/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 7C.087
Tawny DDBF

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Objectives

Antennas

Example of Ka-band phased array antennas for Amazon Kuiper (source: The Register)

The proliferation of low earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit  (MEO) satellite constellations in recent years has accelerated the research and development in the design of electronically steerable antennas. These electronically steerable antennas, typically utilising a phased-array antenna, can out-perform a traditional parabolic dish with mechanically steering very small aperture terminals (VSAT) on the ground, in terms of ability to track fast moving satellites associated with LEO constellations and in the deployment in Satcom on the Move (SOTM) applications where ground terminal pitch, yaw and roll need fast directional compensation to maintain links.

Added to this the development of High throughput satellite (HTS) payloads utilizing higher frequency bands (e.g. Ka Band, Ku Band) with more available spectrum has meant the ability to achieve satellite links to ground terminals which are smaller and lighter than those using lower frequencies, and with more data throughput.

Challenges

The key to success of such electronically steered SOTM ground terminals is the ability to achieve link performance at a competitive power and price point.

System Architecture

The Tawny ASIC integrates all the functions needed to support Ka or Ku band phased array beamforming in conjunction with existing RF beamforming Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC). It is low cost and low power.

Plan

Project was managed in two Phases Definition Phase and Technology Phase. The completed milestones are:

MS 1D Definition Phase Completion Review (PCR)
MS 2D SRR Definition Phase Systems Requirements Review (SRR)
MS 1T Technology Phase Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
After the successful approval of the CCN-1 the next milestones are
MS 2T CCN-1 Technology Phase Critical Design Review (CDR)
MS 3T CCN-1 Technology Phase RevA Tape-Out Review
MS 4T CCN-1 Project Final Settlement.

Current Status

The project has completed the is completing the Definition phase: the System Requirements Review (SRR) has been completed and the and Phase Completion Review (PCR) is scheduled.

Companies

Ensilica Ltd
Ensilica Ltd
https://www.ensilica.com
United Kingdom
Home   /  V2LeoSim

V2LeoSim

NGSO simulator for 5G vehicle-to-everything (V2X)

Advanced Technology Competitiveness & Growth Future Preparation
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 11/06/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 3A.128
V2LeoSim

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Objectives

The V2LeoSim project is targeting the study and implementation of a Software simulator of 5G Vehicular to Everything (V2X) vertical application scenarios, which include the alternative use of terrestrial (Terrestrial Network – TN) and satellite (Non-Terrestrial Network – NTN) connectivity, and innovative Handover networking techniques that improve performance compared to Rel-17 and Rel-18. The activities cover the following macro-objectives:

  • 1. Definition of the scenarios of interest and handover techniques.
  • 2. Technical specification of the simulator, definition of the related system requirements and software architecture.
  • 3. Planning of the development and verification activities of the simulator.
  • 4. Realisation and verification of the simulator, with collection and analysis of the data obtained. 5. Carry out a dissemination activity aimed at promoting the results that will be achieved.

Challenges

The design, implementation and validation of the software-based V2X LEO Simulator require an accurate end-to-end modelling of complex aspects related to the whole V2X protocol stack in the relevant scenarios. It is necessary to include LEO constellations subsystems for combined terrestrial-satellite use-cases, including modelling the mobility of nodes both on ground and in space (LEO constellations) and selected vehicular applications. Several configurations and associated trade-off testing covering a large set of variables are required to identify the target technological solutions and to disseminate the key outcomes to the Vehicular community.

System Architecture

The software simulator is based on open source solutions, which are integrated to offer a tool including all aspects of interest, from the scenario modelling on ground, to the definition of the LEO constellations and NTN-NR communication models, the applications, etc.. NS-3 is selected as the baseline framework that is extended according to the system requirements defined, and it is enhanced with graphical visualization capabilities to present the results also to non-experts. In figure, the preliminary architecture proposed.

V2LeoSim Architecture

Plan

The project is planned over a duration of 22 months. The following principal milestones are foreseen, with interim checkpoints defined in agreement with ESA:

  • Kick Off: T0 · Preliminary Design Review (PDR): T0+9
  • Critical Design Review (CDR): T0+12 · Factory Acceptance Review (FAR): T0+18
  • Final Review and Final presentation (PF/FR): T0 + 22

Current Status

Project was kicked off in April 2025 and it is currently in progress.

Companies

Link Campus University
Link Campus University
https://www.unilink.it/en/
Italy
DIET, University of Roma La Sapienza
DIET, University of Roma La Sapienza
http://www.diet.uniroma1.it
Italy
CNIT
CNIT
http://www.cnit.it/
Italy
Home   /  STRATIFY

STRATIFY

Simulator of Very High Throughput Satellite with Flexible Payload

Advanced Technology Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 10/06/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 3A.105
STRATIFY

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Objectives

The Project develops and validates end-to-end performance simulators for flexible Very High Throughput Satellites embarking active antennas and digital processors.

Challenges

The simulator assesses VHTS payload performance in the far field with realistic signal excitation, focusing on architectural and functional performance with emphasis on high simulation speed.

System Architecture

High-level architecture of STRATIFY Simulator is based on an Object-Oriented development approach based on the organisation and implementation of module representative of typical VHTS system mainly for the space segment as in following figure:

Simulator Object-Oriented Development Approach

 

 

 

 

 

 


STRATIFY Simulator basic software architecture
The STRATIFY Simulator workflow management is the main tasks of the Orchestrator module and it aims to overcome the sequential approach in the configuration and execution of the modules simulating the sub-systems composing the E2E VHTS System. In this way is possible to take advantage of the opportunity to parallelise some processing common between each module. This orchestrator role is detailed in following figure:

 

STRATIFY Simulator basic software architecture

 

 

 

 

 

 


STRATIFY Simulator modules interoperability
The Orchestrator functionalities are complemented by the data format used for configuring the simulator and for managing the information produced and exchanged by the various modules.

Plan

The contractual milestones implemented in the Project frame execution after the Kick-Off are:

  • Progress Meeting 1 (PM1)
  • Mid Term Review (MTR)
  • Progress Meeting 2 (PM2)
  • Progress Meeting 3 (PM3)
  • Final Review (FR)

Current Status

The Project has been concluded end of 2024.

Companies

Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
Applicazioni di Ingegneria ed Informatica Srl (AI2)
Applicazioni di Ingegneria ed Informatica Srl (AI2)
https://www.ai2.it/
Italy
Consorzio di Ricerca su Telesensori Avanzati (CORISTA)
Consorzio di Ricerca su Telesensori Avanzati (CORISTA)
https://www.corista.eu/en_index.html
Italy
WISER SRL
WISER SRL
http://www.wiser.it/
Italy
Politecnico di Bari (POLIBA)
Politecnico di Bari (POLIBA)
http://www.en.poliba.it/
Italy
Home   /  MARLIN

MARLIN

MARitime LEO Insight Network (MARLIN)

Space for 5G User terminals (Ground)
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE |
ACTIVITY CODE | 3F.029
MARLIN

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Objectives

MARLIN provides:

  • a means for regulators and certification bodies to effectively and efficiently monitor responsible fishing at scale,
  • a solution for fishermen seeking to simply and efficiently report fishing activity to regulators.

Challenges

The following challenges could affect MARLIN’s technical success or end users’ adoption of the MARLIN system:

  • Availability of cellular 5G terrestrial network coverage in coastal regions
  • Complications integrating the MARLN sub-assembly with legacy Insight360 hardware
  • Electronic component availability
  • Ingress protection failing to achieve the necessary level of protection for marine environments
  • Incompatibility with existing legal constraints on data management and/or on-vessel hardware installation
  • Legislation does not mandate electronic monitoring of fishing vessels.

System Architecture

MARLIN’s on-vessel hardware is a sub-assembly to the underlying architecture of Arribada’s current Insight360 monitoring system, which autonomously records video and audio data. The MARLIN sub-assembly adds a range of cellular 5G modems and satellite Machine-to-Machine (M2M) transmitters and develops the software subsystems to drive and manage data transfer, exploring intelligent switching and optimisation of our hybrid comms solution.

The current design of the on-vessel hardware includes a waterproof IP68 enclosure, power regulation, Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), USB3, HDMI, mPCIe storage, hybrid cellular 5G and satellite M2M connectivity, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a 4 channel directional microphone for audio capture, IP CCTV cameras and an LCD diagnostic screen.

Plan

The MARLIN project spans ESA’s Definition and Technology Phases with four milestones.

Definition Phase

Purpose: Gather user requirements, define the system architecture, investigate compliance constraints, and create a product business model.

  • Milestone 1: Systems Requirements Review

Technology Phase

Purpose: Build and perform on-vessel tests of the MARLIN prototype hardware, build and test the dashboard software, and assess user experiences.

  • Milestone 2: Mid-term Review
  • Milestone 3: Preliminary Design Review
  • Milestone 4: Critical Design Review

Current Status

The MARLIN project began on December 2, 2024. The following covers work in February 2025.

Work in progress:

  • Interviewing stakeholders to understand what MARLIN will require to be successful for different end-user groups
  • Analysing the responses from stakeholder interviews
  • Creating a business plan centred on conducting market research, identifying key trends, estimating market size, and analysing competitors
  • Created an initial MARLIN hardware block diagram
  • Began testing software platforms for MARLIN

Next activities:

  • We will continue to do all of the above activities for the next two months

Companies

Arribada Initiative C.I.C
Arribada Initiative C.I.C
https://arribada.org/
United Kingdom
Satellite Applications Catapult
Satellite Applications Catapult
https://sa.catapult.org.uk/
United Kingdom
Mindfully Wired Communications
Mindfully Wired Communications
https://www.mindfullywired.org/
United Kingdom
Home   /  GRETA

GRETA

Demonstrator of a ReconfiGurable V-Band FeedeR Link MultibEam AnTenna for High-Capacity GeostationAry Satellites

Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 30/04/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5B.215
GRETA

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Objectives

The objective of the activity is to develop and test a scalable, generic and reconfigurable multibeam receive antenna architecture for feeder links, operating in V-band and supporting high-capacity, geostationary, broadband multimedia missions.

Challenges

The challenge of the project is the replacement of multiple (typically four or more) feeder link reflector antennas by a single antenna.

System Architecture

In order to assess the potential product features, various types of antenna architectures are part of the trade-off:

  1. active phased arrays magnified by reflector(s);
  2. active phased arrays;
  3. discrete lens antennas.

Suitable active components (LNA) identification, Beam-forming networks (BFN) typology, mass, volume, dimensions, complexity, thermal management, operational/ environmental constraints are the subjects to be optimised.

Plan

GRETA contract started on 01.03.2024. Expected project duration is 24 months.

The following project milestones are considered within the overall project development:

  • KoM – Kick-Off Meeting;
  • SRR – System Requirements Review;
  • PDR – Preliminary Design Review;
  • CDR – Detailed Design Review;
  • TRR – Test Readiness Review;
  • TRB – Team Review Board;
  • FR – Final Review.

Current Status

The project’s PDR has been achieved.

Companies

ST4I – Space Technologies for Innovation
ST4I – Space Technologies for Innovation
https://www.st4in.com
Italy
Thales Alenia Space Italia
Thales Alenia Space Italia
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/space-italy
Italy
NHOE
NHOE
https://www.nhoe.it/
Italy
Home   /  PHOTON-MIX

PHOTON-MIX

Large-Scale Integrated Silicon Photonic MEMS Switch Matrix

Space Segment - Payload
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 16/04/2025
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.364
PHOTON-MIX

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Objectives

The objective of PHOTON-MIX is the development of a high-port-count, low-mass-and-energy-consumption, fast switch matrix for optical communications in the C-band. The enabling technologies to address simultaneously all these requirements are integrated photonics and latching bistable MEMS switches. The former allows to concentrate a great number of optical devices in a cm-sized silicon microchip, thus providing high number of channels and compactness: low size and weight. The latter make it possible to set the state of each of the switch of the matrix either ON or OFF without the need of maintaining a voltage applied constantly to fix this state: this accounts for low power consumption.

Challenges

The key challenges of this project include the demonstration of the MEMS latching mechanism, the development of a reliable microfabrication process flow, the development of a dedicated driving electronics board, and the assembly including all mechanical support structures and electrical and optical interfaces.

System Architecture

The general architecture has been consolidated with some preliminary analysis assessment for the thermos-mechanical and mechanical analysis. The functionality of the bias matrix was successfully demonstrated with some optimisation performed during the switch matrix test. The electronics design offers the required flexibility. Not all verification could be implemented due to project time line and budget. However, the critical aspects of the design have been tested.

Plan

The requirements have been consolidated shortly after Kick-off which enable the launch of LLI procurement and the start of preliminary design activities. Critical design aspects of the preliminary design have been bread boarded and tested. Their results were assessed during the Critical Bread boarding Test Review allowing to carry on with the Demonstration Model (DM) design activities. After finalisation of the MEMs design materialised by the Detailed Design Review, the manufacturing of the DM was released. Testing on the DM was performed following successful TRR, results and associated documentation (product roadmap) were evaluated during the Final Review.

Current Status

The non-volatile MEMS design based on optical switch matrix is available. The fabrication process implemented at EPFL clean room facilities and based on DUV lithography compatible with foundry process has been validated. The non-volatile MEMs switch has been integrated into a modular unit named DM, fully packaged and easy to use. The operational functionality (optical & electrical) of a MEMs switch was fully verified in a lab environment allowing to reach TRL 4.

Companies

EPFL - École Polytechnique e Fédérale de Lausanne
EPFL - École Polytechnique e Fédérale de Lausanne
http://www.epfl.ch
Switzerland
Thales Alenia Space Switzerland
Thales Alenia Space Switzerland
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/europe/switzerland
Switzerland