The project aims to demonstrate the benefits of Integrated Photonic (IP) technology for the low-cost implementation of high bandwidth communication links for small satellite constellations. IP allows all the elements of a space based optical mesh network to be implemented using a set of low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) solid-state integrated photonic building blocks: a transmitter producing a directional electronically focused beam that carries broadband information to a matching receiver, and Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) components to enhance capacity and manage connections between multiple nodes.

The project will experimentally demonstrate an integrated photonic transmitter based on Silicon Carbide (SiC) building blocks as part of a staged development. The choice of SiC is a key innovation offering both greater power capacity and survivability in hostile environments. This project facilitates the subsequent realisation of a commercial integrated transmitter ready for trial in space.