Revolutionizing spacecraft communication: optical wireless technology for reduced weight and cost

L. Gilli; S. Macrì; G. Cossu; N. Vincenti; E. Pifferi; E. Ciaramella

doi:10.1117/12.3002615

12 March 2024 Revolutionizing spacecraft communication: optical wireless technology for reduced weight and cost

L. Gilli, S. Macrì, G. Cossu, N. Vincenti, E. Pifferi, E. Ciaramella

Proceedings Volume 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI; 128771F (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3002615
Event: SPIE LASE, 2024, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The current on-board communication network in spacecrafts requires a significant amount of wires, leading to relevant issues in cost and occupied volume. Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) can eliminate the need for physical cables, reducing installation and maintenance costs and improving system flexibility. We propose and demonstrate an OWC system that provides wireless data transfer among the electronic units within the satellite. The system is now successfully operated with two popular wired communication protocols on satellites, i.e., CAN-bus and MIL-STD-1553B. It has completed backward compatibility with existing protocols. Moreover, as it requires no DSP, it results in an extremely small footprint and low power consumption. It can effectively reduce the overall weight and cost of the spacecraft data network, offering the potential for a groundbreaking change in spacecraft technology.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

L. Gilli, S. Macrì, G. Cossu, N. Vincenti, E. Pifferi, and E. Ciaramella "Revolutionizing spacecraft communication: optical wireless technology for reduced weight and cost", Proc. SPIE 12877, Free-Space Laser Communications XXXVI, 128771F (12 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3002615

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