Optical Transceivers for High-Speed Space Communications

LASER COMPONENTS supplies iXblue’s space grade optical components, with a history of successful missions using “flight proven” components such as: optical LiNbO₃ modulators, radiation hardened (rad-hard) fibres and their matching fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs), fibre sources, low noise optical amplifiers, multiplexer/demultiplexer and other micro-optics assemblies for the receiver.  We can also provide fully integrated optical transceivers for the space markets.

The LiNbO₃ modulators offer a unique combination of performance that makes them prime candidates to satisfy the optical system specifications, and to meet the tough requirements of space operation.  Many space photonic systems use iXblue modulators as key component to achieve intensity or phase modulation.

With hundreds of TRL9 LiNbO₃ modulators, more than 1000km space qualified fibres currently flying, and the Astrix gyroscopes recording more than 6 million hours in orbit, iXblue are highly positioned in space onto the GEO, MEO and LEO.  The instruments and components are also exposed to strong vibrations and shocks during the spacecraft take-off and while flying through the atmosphere in the satellite deployment phase, the space vacuum and the dangerous solar radiations.

With a dedicated team for space products, iXblue has already supplied numerous key space players. These space stamped products were successfully qualified with the following ECSS and MIL standards.  iXblue offers products for laser space communications, robust by design and based on proven technology they fit many needs of the new space market.  They also have the capacity to be cost effective in integrating complete transceiver systems.