Satellite Networks

The Satellite Networks department plays since many years a leading role in Europe in the conception and investigation of novel system concepts, transmission techniques, protocols and applications for Satellite Communications.

The main application-areas are satellite IP-based transmission based on DVB standards, satellite communications for emergency and disaster scenarios, satellite communications for aeronautical applications (including both (“Air-Traffic Management” and “Air Passenger Communications”) and interactive Satellite TV provision to mobile handheld terminals.

Another work area of the department is optical free space communications, used for inter-satellite links, and increasingly used also for communication links within the atmosphere (aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and satellite-ground links). The department performs in this area cutting-edge research, recognised on a worldwide basis.

Last but not least, the Satellite Networks department leads since 2004 the European Satellite Communications Network of Excellence, SatNEx.

Advanced Optical Technologies Group After the rapid growth of the former Optical Free-Space Communications Group to more than 10 members, in 2011 part of the group was formed into the Advanced Optical Technologies Group (AOT), which deals with the scientific research of future application fields of optical free-space transmission in general. Read more

Optical Communication Systems Group For more than 20 years the former Optical Free-Space Communications Group (OCG) of the institute has been dealing with high sensitive coherent optical inter-satellite communications. Since 1998 also atmospheric transmission scenarios were investigated. The advantage of this technology compared with directional RF-links lies mainly in the very narrow divergence of optical beams and according link budget improvements. Read more

Networking and Protocols Group The Networking and Protocols Group is active in most of the satellite communications issues related to layers 2+ (two and above) of the ISO/OSI protocol stack: from MAC algorithms, adaptation of IETF protocols, TCP and other transport-layer enhancements, to broadband internet applications for the digital divide and public safety. The design of novel systems, the realisation of trials and demonstrations, and the development of innovative technical solutions are the key activities of the group. Read more

Satellite Radio Systems Group The research group „Satellite Radio Systems" is concerned with new transmission schemes and new concepts for future satellite communications systems. Main targets are an increase of efficiency in order to reduce bit transmission costs through new concepts and methods, an improvement of transmission quality, an increase of data rates, and the development of new application areas. All kinds of satellite systems are taken into account, mobile and broadband systems, systems for commercial or governmental use, or systems for space exploration. Read more

Dr.-Ing. Sandro Scalise Head of Department German Aerospace Center Institute of Communications and Navigation, Satellite Networks Oberpfaffenhofen-Wessling Tel.: +49 8153 28-2856 Fax: +49 8153 28-2844