Microphotonics in satellite payloads and platforms

The European Space Agency has a comprehensive R&D program to develop microphotonic solutions for use is spacecraft engineering. This covers predominantly microphotonic devices and MOEMS to be used as the core devices of microwave-photonic equipment for Telecommunication Satellite Payloads such any Frequency Generation Unit, Frequency Conversion Unit, Switch and Beam Forming. Similar solutions are considered for equipment to be used in satellite platforms such as interrogation units for fiber optic temperature and strain sensors and miniature fiber optic gyroscopes and inertial measurement units.