Safran DSI - IRIS Optical Ground Station for Space Laser Communications
IRIS optical ground stations are built to cater to a wide range of applications (LEO/GEO/Probes), including Earth observation, high throughput bi-directional telecommunications, feeder link, or deep space missions. The IRIS systems leverage the Cortex Lasercom, a globally recognized optical modem that supports various standards such as SDA, CCSDS, and HPE.
RECEIVING LASER COMMUNICATIONS
Built entirely in-house by Safran, the IRIS optical ground station stands at the forefront of innovation, boasting cutting-edge telescopes and optronic components tailored for seamless transmission and reception of laser communications.
This groundbreaking technology unlocks a realm of possibilities for every stakeholder in the space sector, thanks to higher, more secure space-to-ground data rates.
INTEGRATE THE CORTEX LASERCOM IN YOUR STATION
IRIS optical ground stations also integrate the Cortex Lasercom modem. This cutting-edge solution surpasses all expectations by offering communication speeds 10 to 100 times higher than traditional radio frequency communications. With its processing and decoding capabilities, the Cortex Lasercom can achieve a record bit rate of 10 Gigabits per second for Earth-to-space optical communications, a level unequalled anywhere in the world.
The Cortex Lasercom will be used in a number of cooperative projects between Safran, Airbus and CNES, and will equip future optical ground stations marketed by Safran. These Optical Ground Stations will allow communication with all future satellites that will carry laser communication capabilities with the Earth. Two demonstrations on Airbus and CNES programs took place in 2023, a world first: LASIN on the CO3D constellation of imaging satellites, and TELEO on the future BADR-8 telecommunications satellite.
Finally, a Cortex Lasercom HPE (High Photon Efficiency) model is also available for Deep Space applications.
IRIS Features
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High Data Rate |
Up to 10 Gbps/second |
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Multi Applications & Missions |
Earth Observation, High Throughput bi-directional Telecommunication, Feeder link or Deep Space |
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In-House Solution |
Compatible with Safran CORTEX and with SDA, CCSDS and HPE standards |
More Product Information
Image optimization features:
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Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 32 dB)
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Auto exposure (manual exposure control: 10 µs to 26.8 s)
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Auto white balance (GT1660C only)
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Binning (horizontal and vertical)
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Color correction, hue, saturation (GT1660C only)
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Column defect masking
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Decimation X/Y
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Gamma correction
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Three look-up tables (LUTs)
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Region of interest (ROI), separate ROI for auto features
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Reverse X/Y
Camera control features:
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P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
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Event channel
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Image chunk data
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IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
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RS232
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Storable user sets
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StreamBytesPerSecond (bandwidth control)
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Stream hold
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Sync out modes: Trigger ready, input, exposing, readout, imaging, strobe, GPO
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Tap mode switchable in Vimba Viewer 2.0 or later (four-tap, one-tap)
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Temperature monitoring (main board and sensor board)
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Trigger over Ethernet (ToE) Action Commands
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- 1" (16 mm) max. sensor size
- C-Mount lens
- 3 focal lengths: 10 mm, 16 mm and 70 mm
- Initial aperture: F1.8 - F2.2
- Ruggedized and motorized iris available
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Our patented miniaturized L/S/C Tri-Band Feed delivers top-notch performance and unmatched flexibility.
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Available in single, dual, or tri-band configurations, this feed offers the best value for customers looking to meet current requirements while staying future-ready.
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- 2/3" (11 mm) max. sensor size
- C-Mount lens
- 6 focal lengths: 4.8 mm - 35 mm
- Initial apertures: F1.4 - F1.9
- Ruggedized and stabilized versions available
- Motorized iris available
Safran DSI
Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) is a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving challenges of national defense and advanced space missions. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Safran DSI operates through specialized business units in Optronics, Space Solutions, Testing & Telemetry, Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Safran DSI leverages its parent company's innovative technologies and global resources to deliver unparalleled solutions across air, land, sea, and space domains.
Testing & Telemetry BU provides complete end-to-end solutions from instrumentation, mission systems, on board recording and transmitting to base station for monitoring and controlling data. Our complete solutions are platform agnostic and are adaptable to the customer mission needs. Our instrumentation and telemetry turnkey solutions for mobile and stationary systems. This includes, but not limited to, data acquisition units (DAUs), on board recording, ground receiving, recording, and processing applications for fixed and rotary wing, manned and unmanned systems, eVTOL aircraft, as well as missile systems and space rockets/launchers. We offer comprehensive data management solutions for operational aircraft allowing for ISR, Search & Rescue, mission data loading & data transfer and pilot training & debriefing.
Contact Details
Safran Defense & Space, Inc.
3005 Business Park Drive, Norcross, GA 30071, USA
Phone: 770-753-4017
Test & Measurement
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