Hybrid RF and Optical Communication Systems for Intersatellite Link
Project Lead: Nassima Khorchef
Institution: Northumbria University
Partner: Filtronic plc
Amount: £14,418
Theme: In Space Opportunities
This project will deliver a validated design specification strategy for hybrid optical/RF intersatellite links (ISL) targeting the rapidly growing CubeSat constellation market. Building on established research, the project will define mission-driven technical requirements and translate these into a preliminary design specification, combining optical laser as the primary link with RF as a resilient backup, providing CubeSat operators with a clear, industrially-validated pathway to affordable constellation-level connectivity. Developed in collaboration with Filtronics, the outputs will establish a clear technical foundation for a future software design tool, enabling small satellite operators to access advanced intersatellite link capabilities without the mass, power, and cost demands of ISL systems originally designed for large satellites.
