The objective is to demonstrate the suitability of LiFi as a physical layer for data handling within telecom satellite electrical architecture.

One of the challenges on a telecom spacecraft is to accommodate bundles of wires within complex harnesses. Wireless technologies will simplify significantly the electrical harness.

Flight electrical harness and instrumentation electrical harness should be considered during Assembly Integration and Test (AIT). WiFi offers this advantage but introduces constraints in term of electromagnetic compatibility and security.

Signal transfers through mechanisms is challenging. The activity will address the use of LiFi to transfer data from the main external appendices (solar array, antennas). The activity will also address the best way to introduce LiFi in the AIT process where wireless technologies reduce the time and effort. LiFi uses optical links instead of RF links.This induces much less risk of interferences and provides good resistance to hacking.

The activity will demonstrate the maximum data transfer speed that is achievable within a telecom spacecraft cavity (diffused infrared transmission) or in connection with external appendices.

A scaled Engineering Model of transmitter and hub receiver with critical functions (e.g. solar array temperatures telemetry transfer) shall be designed, manufactured and tested in a relevant environment. The suitability of such device to space environment shall be assessed. The question of the sensor power supply shall be addressed as well as the protocol.