The project is dealing with the design and with an approach to a standardisation of new forward error correction codes for optical near-earth and deep-space data links as well as for RF deep-space data links. The new forward error correction mechanisms, which are based on LDPC codes, promise both an enhanced error correction capability and low complexity. This improved performance enables higher data rates or alternatively a saving of transmitter power with comparably low effort. Especially for space communication saving of transmitter power is a very important aspect, because this influences positively the design of the whole spacecraft or satellite (e.g. smaller solar panels, less volume and mass, smaller RF amplifiers, smaller radiators for cooling).
As an example, the principle of correcting packet erasures by means of a packet erasure decoder is highlighted in the following picture.
The project is funded by DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.