OSIRIS - Optical Communication in Space

The OSIRIS program aims to develop optical communications technology and systems for the direct downlink from and the direct connection between small satellites – such as those used in earth observation and mega-constellations – we test them in space and bring it to market together with one of our industrial partners. The current portfolio ranges from “OSIRIS4CubeSat” for small satellites to “OSIRISv3”, which was developed for small satellites in the weight category of up to 100 kilograms. Depending on the system configuration, data rates ranging from a 100 megabits per second to ten and more gigabits per second can be achieved between satellites in orbit and earth.

Light, compact, and safe
Optical communication systems not only distinguish themselves through their high data rates, but also due to their lighter and more compact design, as well as their lower power requirement in comparison to traditional radio systems. In addition, the connections are almost completely tap-proof.

OSIRIS = Optical Space Infrared Downlink System

  • Very high data rates compared to radio communication
  • Efficient communication with lower power consumption per transmitted bit
  • Smaller ground stations
  • No spectrum regulation
OSIRIS-Programm - Roadmap der Entwicklung
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Projects from the topic area

Laser communication in the inter-satellite range

CubeISL

In CubeISL, based on the OSIRIS4CubeSat development, the technology of laser communication is transferred to the intersatellite domain. In addition, the data rate in the connection to the earth is increased tenfold.

The world's smallest laser terminal

Cube4CubeSat / CubeLCT

In contrast to the other OSIRIS payloads, OSIRIS4CubeSat does not aim to further increase the data rate, but rather to achieve a highly compact system design that enables the use of optical communication even on small satellites such as CubeSats.

Higher data rates and own alignment unit

OSIRISv3

A further stage of development of OSIRIS towards higher data rates is OSIRISv3. The terminal now has its own alignment unit with which the data rate can be increased up to 10 Gbit/s.

In use on the BIROS earth observation satellite

OSIRISv2

OSIRISv2 is a further development of the first version towards higher data rates. OSIRISv2 reaches a maximum data rate of 1 Gbit/s with a total weight of 1.65 kg and a maximum power consumption of 37W.

The first generation of the OSIRIS family

OSIRISv1

OSIRISv1 is the first terminal generation and has been in use on the small satellite Flying Laptop of the University of Stuttgart since 2017.

OSIRIS - Optische Kommunikation im Weltraum
Credit:

Tesat

Industrial cooperation
The Institute for Communications and Navigation closely cooperates with Tesat Spacecom in Backnang in the field of optical communication.