Business
Space Photonics R&D in Satellite Communications
Space Photonics R&D in Satellite Communications.
About this update from Gooch & Housego Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \nRNS Number : 8408U Gooch & Housego PLC 05 December 2013 \n\n\n\n\n\nRNS Reach\n \n\n\n5 December 2013\n\n\n\n\n \nGooch & Housego PLC\n(\"G&H\" or the \"Company\")\n \nSpace Photonics R&D in Intra-Satellite Communications\n \nGooch & Housego PLC (\"G&H\", or the \"Group\"), the specialist manufacturer of optical components and systems, today announces that Constelex Technology Enablers, a recent acquisition by G&H in November 2013 is participating in new European Union R&D projects and European Space Agency Space Photonics contracts. The programs will focus on design and development of photonic components and sub-systems for satellite communications.\n \nConstelex is coordinating project MERLIN (www.space-merlin.eu) that aims to design and fabricate high-speed digital transceivers for intra-satellite links enabling next-generation \"photonics-enabled\" broadband satellites. Constelex is involved in the system design and experimental performance evaluation of MERLIN optical links and is responsible for commercializing the MERLIN transceivers.\n \nConstelex is also participating in the newly launched project HIPPO (www.fp7-hippo.eu) that focuses on developing high-power photonic components and modules for satellite laser communications. \n \nThrough an all-industrial team, the project will deliver a new family of photonic products, including lasers, receivers, specialty optical fibres and optical amplifier modules that find application in high-speed satellite-to-satellite communications. Constelex is responsible for designing and developing space-compatible high-power optical fiber amplifier modules.\n \nComplementing the above R&D activities, Constelex is currently developing optical fiber amplifier products in collaboration with the European Space Agency within the ARTES 5.2 and ECI initiatives. \nThe new family of optical amplifiers currently under development finds application in satellite laser communications and more specifically in high-speed and energy efficient satellite to ground and inter-satellite links.\n \nGareth Jones, CEO commented:\n \n\"These development contracts and R&D programmes highlight the key strategic reasons behind the acquisition of Constelex and the combined Group's objectives to develop high added-val...