16 Mar 2026
14:00 - 19:00
Room 515A
As satellite networks evolve to meet the demands of global connectivity, scientific investigation, and secure communications, optical technologies are emerging as key enablers of high-capacity, low-latency links across multiple orbits. This symposium will explore the architectures and innovations shaping the future of space-based optical networks—from low-Earth orbit (LEO) to deep space missions.
Comprising two sessions with invited talks, the symposium will address challenges associated with delivering network services from space. Topics include network architectures, network control/operations, and protocol design, as well as optical link enabling technologies and performance. Discussions will foster a dialogue on the role of different stakeholders, standardization efforts, and the integration of space-based optical networks with terrestrial network infrastructure.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the technological frontiers and collaborative frameworks driving optical network innovation beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Organizers
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Jörg-Peter Elbers
Adtran Networks SE, Germany
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C. Randy Giles
Optica, United States
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Fernando Guiomar
Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
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Kevin Shortt
Airbus Defence & Space GmbH, Germany
Speakers
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Hamid Hemmanti
Viasat, United States
Laser communications technology has moved far beyond its experimental roots and is now routinely used in operational systems. Today it is widely used in intersatellite links between LEO sats at about 200 Gbps data rates, as well as LEO-to-GEO and LEO and GEO to ground at tens of Gbps. Links between GEO sats and MEO-to-GEO and LEO are expected soon. It is expected that these rates will scale by orders of magnitude within a couple of decades.
Dr. Hemmati is the CTO and VP of Viasat Inc for laser communications. Prior to that he was with the Facebook Connectivity Lab and JPL/NASA/Caltech. His career has been focused primarily on satellite and terrestrial laser communications technology. He authored and edited two books: "Deep Space Optical Communications" and "Near-Earth Laser Communications". He is also the author and co-author of over 200 publications. Hamid was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal s, and Fellow member of Optica and SPIE.
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Andreas Iselt
Rivada Space, Germany
Combining optical intersatellite links with scalable high speed routing and intelligent resource control for LEO networks enables end-to-end network services completely routed in space without gateways. They provide secure, sovereign and truly global connectivity with low latency.
Dr. Andreas Iselt has over 25 years experience in various leadership positions in Telecommunications and Satcom. His technical background is in automated fixed and mobile multilayer networks, optical transmission, routing and switching and network automation. He holds a Dr.-Ing. degree in Communication Networking from Technical University Munich.
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John Jacob
Cisco/Acacia, United States
Spaceborne optical networks are a growing market for today’s component suppliers. Meeting demand for network components in space means providing hardware that is suitable for this environment.
John Jacob has worked in the field of fiber and free space optical communication for over twenty-five years. His primary focus is on transceiver technology and channel impairments. John earned his PhD in Physics from Oklahoma State University and has over 50 peer reviewed publications.
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Joe Ponsetto
SpaceX, United States
Review of recent advances in optical inter-satellite links at SpaceX. Significant strides have been made in the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of the laser terminals, as well as the management of the laser mesh network.
Joseph L. Ponsetto (B.S. 2010 Physics, Boston College; Ph.D. 2016 Applied Physics, University of California, San Diego) is a Senior Space Lasers Engineer at SpaceX. His work has been focused on photonics for inter-satellite laser links, including fiber amplifiers and coherent transceivers.
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Ewald Schrap
Voyager Technologies, Netherlands
Optical networks in orbit are opening opportunities that can only be realized if industry moves from a TRL to a broader CRL approach. Technical and commercial foresight is required for broad adoption and economic success
Ewald is Principal Program Manager in the Azure Special Capabilities Innovation and Infrastructure (ASCII) team at Microsoft. Focusing on the intersection of 5G, SATCOM and Cloud to enable government and industry customers and partners achieve more.
Prior to Microsoft, Ewald was VP Cloud Segment as SES Networks following a 20 year career in the telecom space working at a combination of startups like World Wide Packets and well know entities like Alcatel and Ciena.
Ewald is based in The Netherlands. -
Rob Singh
MDA Space, Canada
Abstract not available.
A distinguished leader in the space industry with more than 30 years of experience defining and delivering complex space solutions and service strategies for customers, Mr. Singh joins MDA Space at a pivotal time as the space market and the company expand globally.
Reporting to CEO Mike Greenley, in this newly created role Mr. Singh joins the MDA Space executive team with responsibility for defining strategic customer solutions that leverage the company's full global portfolio and partnering with corporate development on strategic growth opportunities.
Most recently, Mr. Singh served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Axta Space, where he delivered leading-edge connectivity and optical communications systems for major aerospace primes and satellite operators. He also previously served as CTO at SpaceLink, overseeing the implementation of the company's end-to-end space communications system. At Maxar Technologies, Mr. Singh held several senior roles, including VP of Strategic Initiatives, Chief Architect, and Executive Director of Communications Systems, shaping disruptive business strategies and technology roadmaps.