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A world first in space: The DGA and EADS Astrium set up the first laser links between a geostationary satellite and an aircraft
December 13, 2006
Acting on behalf of the DGA (French MoD procurement agency), EADS Astrium set up six two-way optical links between a Mystère 20 aircraft operating from the DGA Istres Flight Test Centre and the ARTEMIS geostationary satellite in early December 2006. These tests were executed as part of the LOLA airborne laser optical link basic study programme conducted by the DGA. Their objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of an optical link between an airborne carrier and a geostationary satellite. These airborne laser links, established over a distance of 40,000 km during two flights at altitudes of 6,000 and 10,000 metres, represent a world first.
Link lock-on was obtained in less than 1 second (including the outward and inward optical path), and pointing accuracy was of the order of 0.5 microrad. The laser data rate between aircraft and satellite achieved so far is 50 Mbps. Consumption of the optical terminals is 100W. LOLA total performance is over 15 times more efficient than can be obtained in the microwave domain using optical terminals on board a UAV.
Apart from its transmission performance, the optical beam possesses the unequalled quality of being totally discrete and extremely difficult to jam. These characteristics represent a substantial advantage for forces deployed in a theatre of operations.
This world first is the joint achievement of all the DGA experts at Istres and those of EADS Astrium in Toulouse, CILAS and Boostec, and also ONERA and Supaéro. Furthermore, coordination between the European players such as the European Space Agency teams at Redu, in Belgium, and the ARTEMIS operator in Italy, has ensured the success of these flight tests.
EADS Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems. In 2005, EADS Astrium had a turnover of €2.7 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. It has two main business units: EADS Astrium Space Transportation, for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and EADS Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment. Its wholly owned subsidiary, EADS Astrium Services, develops and delivers satellite services. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of €34.2 billion and employed a workforce of more than 113,000.
DGA Press release:
Press Contacts
- Astrium Rémi Roland +33 (0) 1 42 24 27 34
- Astrium Frédéric-Pierre Isoz +33 (0) 1 42 24 28 77
- DGA Matthieu Duvelleroy +33 (0) 1 45 52 73 26