Given the dynamic nature of satellite constellations, the topology of the optical network amongst the satellites will be changing as often as every few minutes. This operational reality, in turn, means that at any given moment a vendor's terminal on one satellite may have to connect to a terminal from another vendor on another satellite. As with the early days of the terrestrial fiber industry, there are a number of emerging specifications and standards aimed at unifying and providing guidelines for device and equipment suppliers for satellite-based optical networks. A comprehensive specification, e.g. future standard(s), to ensure interoperability and consistent operation of the network is required, as new satellites replace older satellites through the natural evolution of the constellation. Following in the footsteps of the terrestrial market, interoperability plays a key role not only in ensuring operational resiliency but also avoids vendor lock-in, a key benefit for operators and customers alike.
The key discussions to address in this panel are:
- Existing specifications and standards for optical satellite communication, e.g. SDA, ESTOL, CCSDS
- Interoperability verification between laser communication terminal (LCT) suppliers
- Interoperability at PAT level, physical layer, data and link management layer
- Interoperability between constellations
- How do emerging technologies (e.g. coherent transceivers for space) complicate (or simplify) the standardization problem?
Organizers
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Kasia Balakier
European Space Agency, United Kingdom
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Kevin Shortt
Airbus Defence & Space GmbH, Germany
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Todd Ulmer
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, United States
Panelists
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Michael Butterfield
DARPA, United States
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Don Cornwell
Amazon, United States
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Harald Hauschildt
ESA, Netherlands
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David Mackey
mBryonics Ltd, Ireland
David Mackey, co-founder and CTO of MBRYONICS Ltd, an Irish space communication company, specializes in satellite laser communication. He founded MBRYONICS in 2014 with his siblings after R&D at the University of Galway, where he earned a Physics PhD focusing on photonic adaptive optics for free-space optical communication. At MBRYONICS, he develops end-to-end satellite optical transport solutions. Previously, as an Aeronautical Engineer, he worked at Airbus. He now leads MBRYONICS' technology engineering across optics, photonics, networking, and production.
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Julie Smith
US Air Force Research Laboratory, United States
Dr. Julie Smith is a Principal Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate. She received her MS in Physics (2008) and a PhD in Electrical Engineering (2024) from the University of New Mexico (UNM). After joining AFRL in 2008, Dr. Smith worked at the Directed Energy Directorate, Starfire Optical Range, focusing on atmospheric propagation, adaptive optics, and quantum and optical communications. In 2015, she transitioned to the Space Vehicles Directorate where she serves as the Laser Communications Strategy Lead and the Communications Tech Area Lead.