Space Photonics R&D in Satellite Communications

RNS Number : 8408U

Gooch & Housego PLC

05 December 2013

 

RNS Reach

5 December 2013

Gooch & Housego PLC

("G&H" or the "Company")

Space Photonics R&D in Intra-Satellite Communications

Gooch & 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.

Constelex 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.

Constelex 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.

Through 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.

Complementing 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.

The 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.

Gareth Jones, CEO commented:

"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-value photonic next generation systems applicable to space and satellite communications."

For further information contact: -
Gareth Jones / Andrew Boteler	Gooch & Housego PLC	01460 256440
Tim Thompson  / Gabriella Clinkard	Buchanan	020 7466 5000
Patrick Robb / David Anderson	Investec Bank plc	020 7597 5970

 

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