HydRON optical communication for broadband in space

Using lasers to communicate helps speed the flow of information to people around the world, as well as improving the privacy of messages.

Demand for ultra-broadband digital connectivity has increased significantly during the few past years, and the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated that it is now essential for families and businesses to have a fast connection.

By integrating seamlessly with terrestrial optical fibre networks, optical satellite systems will empower telecommunications infrastructures to be able to meet growing demand, support next generation 5G connectivity and enable new, innovative applications and services using artificial intelligence and the internet-of-things.

A space-enabled optical network will ensure that people can connect even in remote areas.

Together with its industrial partners, ESA has studied how to create a network among satellites in constellation using lasers both in space as well as to the ground, linking directly into optical fibre networks.

The vision – called HydRON – is a high-throughput space optical network and forms part of ESA’s ScyLight programme for secure and laser communication technology.