We are very proud to announce that we have successfully passed an important milestone in the “COTS FPGA Technology for Onboard Switching” project for the European Space Agency (ESA) – the PDR (Preliminary Design Review). This achievement brings us closer to helping realize the vision of high-speed optical satellite communication networks.

COTS FPGA Technology for Onboard Switching

This project, commissioned by the European Space Agency (ESA), focuses on designing and building network switches capable of transmitting data at 100 Gbit/s per differential pair. We are utilizing and verifying the latest FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) Network-on-Chip (NOC) products from Achronix and Xilinx to achieve this. These technologies were previously used only in ground-based data centres. When the objective of our activity is successfully achieved, they will undergo a strict space qualification process.

Our team performed an outstanding job and passed the PDR checkpoint with flying colors. This phase focused on preparing the FPGA architecture and design coding, followed closely by verification. As we enter the “detailed design” phase, we have already set our minds on the final tests.

A big congratulations to Przemyslaw Radzik (Project Manager), Dawid Linowski (Lead FPGA Engineer), and Szymon Kałużyński (FPGA Engineer) for their outstanding work on this project.

About HydRON

This technology is crucial for the HydRON program, which aims to establish “Fiber in the Sky”—an ultra-fast optical network for satellite communication. This network would be similar to fiber optic cables on Earth, but it would connect satellites and other spacecrafts in space.

This network would connect satellites and objects in space, enabling improved internet speeds compared to current systems. It is still under development, focusing on building a demonstration system to test its feasibility. ESA collaborates with industry partners to develop necessary technologies.

AROBS Polska and advanced technology

Our expertise in cutting-edge areas like optical communication makes us a key player in developing the future of high-speed space networks. For this project, we’re explicitly tackling the challenge of designing and building ultra-high-throughput network switches.

This is not the limit of our capability. Our commitment to participate in creating the future of space takes our expertise to all kinds of frontiers:

From laser ranging to quantum key distribution, we tackle multiple forms of advanced space technology with great potential for other industries. Contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your goals. We know they are ambitious. So are we.