LASERCOM
At Officina Stellare, we’re passionate about contributing to shape the space optical communications revolution. Space optical communications – or Fiber-in-the-sky – leverage on optical lasers for the transmission of data and – together with laser ranging and quantum key distribution solutions – are at the forefront of a transformative journey.
Empowering Fiber-from-the-Sky Communications
Lasercom offers advantages and opportunities that complement and greatly augment the services of traditional -Satcom accomplished by means of Radiofrequency terminals.
Lasercom enables for:
Control of your privacy
Lasercom signals inherently have smaller footprint than RF ones. Complemented by more demanding alignment needs than RF signals, this greatly reduces the reduces the risk for signal jamming or hijacking.
Unregulated spectrum
while the RF spectrum licensing is tidily regulated by ITU years in advance prior to launch, lasercom signals remain unregulated.
Increase in data rates
Compact, simpler satellites
when compared by datarate, lasercom space terminals are more compact than RF terminals and demand less SWaP resources than RF terminals.
Like for traditional Satcom, Space and Earth meet by means of space terminals on board satellites and a distributed set of ground stations.
At the Heart of Officina Stellare
Our Lasercom Optical Ground Stations
Our Lasercom Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) embody Officina Stellare manifold expertise into turn-key systems enabling the reception of lasercom and QKD signals.
Our Lasercom Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) embody Officina Stellare manifold expertise into turn-key systems enabling the reception of lasercom and QKD signals.
In-House Manufacturing, Engineering Capabilities and Process Control make our OGS special
We don’t just assemble OGS components. Thanks to our manufacturing facilities and our system engineering knowledge, we craft its key components: telescopes, mounts, adaptive optics benches, and quantum key distribution terminals to ensure reliability and to meet performance and end-to-end-understanding.
Leapfrogging Collaborations
At Officina Stellare we do not navigate the cosmos alone. Strategic partnerships do amplify our impact and complement our offering, both on Ground and on in Space.
Specifically, Officina Stellare is joining forces with Space Terminal Manufacturing leaders. Their space lasercom terminals complement our ground-based prowess. Together, we bridge the gap between Earth and the Stars.
OS Optical Ground Stations (OGS) for laser communication are unique due to their advanced capabilities and versatile design that cater to modern communication needs. Here are several key aspects that distinguish them:
Transportability
Heritage
These OGSs build upon a rich heritage of proven technology and extensive research, developed for the Italian and European Space Agencies. The underlying technology of optical communication, which has been developed and refined over decades, ensures reliability and efficiency. This heritage guarantees that the systems are robust and capable of meeting stringent performance requirements. Moreover OS designs, builds and delivers telescopes up to 1.5m for astronomy, fully made in house, for many years.
Integrated Solution
OS OGSs provide an integrated solution that combines all necessary components for laser communication into a cohesive system. This integration simplifies deployment and operation, as all elements such as the laser transmitter, receiver, tracking system, and data processing units are designed to work seamlessly together.
Turnkey Solution
OS offers turnkey solutions, meaning they are delivered ready for immediate use with minimal setup required. This feature significantly reduces the time and effort needed to get the system operational, making it highly appealing for time-sensitive missions or rapid deployment scenarios.
Multi-Mission Capability
OS OGSs are designed to support multiple missions simultaneously. They can handle Classical Laser and Quantum Communications/QKD, making them versatile and efficient. This multi-mission capability ensures that the ground stations can be utilized for a wide range of applications, from scientific research to commercial data transfer.
Scalable
Overall OS OGSs for laser communication are unique due to their transportability, proven technology, comprehensive integration, ready-to-use setup, ability to support multiple missions, and scalability. These features make them an indispensable part of modern communication infrastructure.
PROJECTS
EAGLE 1
Pioneering the future of Quantum communications
The “EAGLE-1” space mission co-financed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and endorsed by European Commission (EC) – together with various European space agencies and industries, is the European space-based Quantum Key Distribution demonstration forerunner. EAGLE1, once ready, will demonstrate the feasibility of satellite based QKD services within the European Union. The mission will provide the first space segment backbone for the future implementation of a quantum communications infrastructure for the EU (EuroQCI), on which next-generation cybersecurity infrastructure for EU member states will be based.
In the frame of EAGLE1, Officina Stellare is delivering the Optical Ground Station dome and the signature telescope and mount system of the first European ground station for the distribution of quantum keys (QKD).
Therefore, the EAGLE1 OGS defines the de facto standard of future quantum communication infrastructure for Europe. It is setting the turn-key benchmark for QKD OGS in terms of specifications, reliability, and achievements, enabling Customers the certainty of integrating highly advanced solutions in their QKD space-to-ground infrastructure.
Also, Officina Stellare is involved in the development of the SAGA Optical Ground Station, Europe next generation Quantum Key Distribution services, ensuring continuity and compatibility.
GAOM
Generic Adaptive Optics Module
GAOM is an Optical Ground Station product conceived and developed to manage both quantum key distribution and laser communication signals and establishing modularity so to accommodate scalable user needs.
Key to GAOM is the modular design, enabling compatibility with different hosting telescopes and mounts and largely based on off-the-shelf components and exchangeability.
The GAOM development was funded by the European Space Agency (ESA).
While the prototype is/will be installed at the ESA’s IZN-1 Tenerife station, the primary purpose of this product is to serve Optical Ground Stations of different sizes and layouts, depending on targeted performances.
SAGA
Highly secure quantum communication infrastructure
Officina Stellare is working with its controlled companies ThinkQuantum and Dynamic Optics to the SAGA SAGA (Security And cryptoGrAphic mission) project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and falling under the Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program. Specifically, it aligns with the Space Systems for Safety and Security (4S) strategy under the ARTES program.
The SAGA project aims to develop a highly secure quantum communication infrastructure across Europe. The purpose of this project is to enhance the security of critical infrastructure and communications against cyberattacks. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to establish a pan-European quantum communication network.
The project is a collaboration between ESA and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG Connect). It not only aims to protect sensitive data and communications but also to foster innovation, boost European leadership in quantum technologies, and support the development of new business opportunities in the field of secure communications.
Officina Stellare will provide the complete Optical Ground Station for the SAGA consortium led by Thales Alenia Space Italy.
HYDRON
High Throughput Optical Network OGS
Officina Stellare is working with its controlled company Dynamic Optics to the HyDRON Element #2 Optical Ground Station (OGS) project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and falling under the ARTES Scylight Strategic Programme. The purpose of the project is to design, manufacture and test a complete OGS for the HyDRON (High Throughput Optical Network) program compatible with both LEO and GEO laser communications terminals up to 100Gbps and to develop all the SW needed to perform end-to-end engineering and simulation of atmospheric laser propagation. HydRON aims to demonstrate the world’s first (all) optical multi-orbit transport network at terabit/sec capacity in space, extending terrestrial fibre-based networks seamlessly into space – in other words, HydRON will demonstrate the “Fibre in the Sky” and the “Internet beyond Cloud(s)”.
The project will leverage the technologies developed in the GAOM project, providing the first Optical Ground Station able to communicate with both LEO and GEO satellites.
The primary goal of HyDRON Element #2 is to create a demonstrative system (HydRON-DS) that integrates high-capacity data transport capabilities both in space and on the ground. This involves the development, deployment, and in-orbit testing of key elements necessary to establish an optical network that can connect satellites and ground stations seamlessly.
C3PO
OGS for European Space Operations Center
Officina Stellare is working to the C3PO Project, a collaboration that also involves the subsidiaries of the OS group, Dynamic Optics and ThinkQuantum, the German Work Microwave and NovaSpace (former Euroconsult). The C3PO project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), falling under the ESA GSTP (General Support Technology Program) framework, consists in an industrialized OGS (Optical Ground Station), destined to the European Space Operations Center, ESOC in Darmstadt, Germany.
The OGS will be developed to meet market needs in both classical and quantum communication, and will include, among others, an adaptive optics system for fiber optic signal coupling, a laser beacon system, a high pointing performance telescope and an operation control and orchestration system. The OGS will be optimized to be operational on the roof of the ESOC building, thus demonstrating the feasibility of an extremely interesting use case for the lasercom application.
The OGS will be minimized in mass and designed to be as much as possible easily transportable.
The industrial team of the C3PO optical ground station is formed by Officina Stellare in charge of the design and the manufacturing of the adaptive optical system with the contribution of Dynamic Optics; by ThinkQuantum for the part of quantum cryptography and Work Microwave which will take care of the part relating to the optical digital modem and NovaSpace (former Euroconsult), a consultancy company for local development and internationalization, also participates in the development of this specific case-study.