Small and nano satellites speed up broadband at the speed of light. Thales Alenia Space, in collaboration with Telespazio and Open Fiber, has completed the first phase of the preparatory study for the creation of a laser European satellite network to revolutionize communication.
The ESA’s Hydron project, High Throughput optical satellite, aims to create an optical network for space, which connects satellite systems with terrestrial fiber optic networks at maximum speed. The goal is to create fast connections, in the order of Terabit / second, integrated with the high-capacity terrestrial network improving coverage, latency and cost management even in sparsely populated areas.
The first phase, called HyPha Study, has finished defining the first system requirements and the network architectures, as well as the technologies necessary for future implementations. The next step will be dedicated to the activities for the realization of an IOD (In-Orbit Demonstrator) flight that verifies the operation of all the chosen solutions.
This project allows Europe to achieve sufficient technological autonomy to have its own connectivity services across space (Fiber in the sky) and to offer new services to all terrestrial fiber optic operators, such as Cloud in the sky, IP Routing On -Board Satellite and extra territory capacity.
In particular, the project saw Thales Alenia Space supported by Telespazio as a satellite operator and Open Fiber as a terrestrial operator. The creation of a laser satellite network confirms the great potential of small satellites, which are becoming the cornerstone for the entire space economy.