Conclusions of ESA 1st Optical Wireless Onboard Communications Workshop: Current Status and the Road Forward
Abstract
The purpose of this workshop was to bring together representatives of European space agencies, aerospace industry, wireless technology industry, academia, research institutions, and end-users to do the following: (1) Review the state-of-the-art of optical free space communications in ground and in space, in short- and medium-link distances, point-to-point, as well as broadcast or other networking schemes; (2) Explore the future needs, potential solutions, and challenges in applying these technologies to communications onboard spacecraft and in ground integration and test facilities; (3) Investigate the challenges imposed by the space environment with regard to opto-electronic component technologies, particularly with respect to space radiation and temperature and vacuum conditions; and (4) Discuss the main techniques and technologies for the optical wireless intra-spacecraft LAN as a distinct spacecraft subsystem. The "Optical Wireless On-board Communications Workshop," sponsored by the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), was held in September 2004. The workshop presented a complete European vision of the current situation of optical wireless techniques and technologies and their applicability to space. The paper also draws on information that has resulted from the activities of the Computer and Data System Section of the European Space Agency (ESA) over the last 5 years. In addition, the paper integrates the latest results available from on-going complementary development and testing projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 13, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA445911
Entities
People
- Inmaculada Hernandez
- Patrick Plancke
Organizations
- European Space Research and Technology Centre