NSSPI

The consortium members for the Optical Communications for Space Cluster (Altera, ÉireComposites, mBryonics, UCD) are using optical communications to interconnect satellites on orbit and to transport data between space and Earth. Similar to our fibre networks here on Earth, this will enable high capacity data transport backbone on orbit, reducing the need for multiple ground stations and meeting the capacity needs to power the Internet of Space. This Cluster will focus on the development of an Optical Ground Station (OGS) with optical phased array ground terminal with integrated photonics adaptive optics.

In the Autonomous Smart Satellites Cluster, a controller that enables Smart Autonomous Space assets e.g CubeSats, that have the hardware and software capacity to make their own decisions in real-time [AI controlled CubeSats], will be developed. This intelligence will apply to both the control of the CubeSat and to the data it is capturing, so CubeSats with this technology will be able to self-manage. The cluster will also deliver an Engineering Qualified Model (EQM) of a single board On Board Computer (OBC) with integrated AI Acceleration for CubeSats, enabling the on board processing of data specific and other AI applications, thus allowing the generation of Real Time, Actionable data on orbit. 

The Spacecraft and Payload Modelling, Simulation, Assembly, Integration and Test research support Cluster will develop Satellite System Models in both virtual and virtual/hardware/software hybrid form to support consortium technology developments. These sophisticated and representative system models will allow the development of payloads by representing a spacecraft and allowing interfaces to the SME technology to be developed. The models will primarily be for smaller platforms [6U, 12U CubeSat form factor], but will be scalable to larger spacecraft. 

Réaltra Space Systems Engineering was formed in 2017 as a Division within Realtime to provide an enhanced combination of both technical design and space qualified production of spacecraft avionics equipment hardware to meet the challenging technical and environmental constraints of future commercial and scientific space missions. 

Ubotica Technologies, founded in Ireland in 2016, develops and deploys Artificial Intelligence solutions for Space and Industrial edge computing applications using the Myriad family of Vision Processing Units. Ubotica Space related offerings cover both hardware and software libraries that enable the efficient application of AI and Computer Vision onboard small satellites. 

Altera, an Intel Company, provides leadership programmable solutions that are easy-to-use and deploy in applications from cloud to edge, offering limitless AI possibilities. Their end-to-end broad portfolio of products including FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs and IPUs provide the flexibility to accelerate innovation.

mBryonics Ltd. is an Irish SME founded in 2014 specialising in satellite optical communications technologies and advanced manufacturing. The company is a spin-out from the University of Galway, and has a proven track record in transforming high end research into commercially disruptive technologies. mBryonics is a vertically integrated company for the design, manufacture and operation of satellite optical communications technologies and infrastructure for the space and ground segments. 

Equal1 is a spin-out from the UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and aims to democratise quantum computing by making it accessible and affordable with its innovative quantum silicon technology. By integrating the entire quantum computing system onto a single chip, Equal1 significantly reduces the size and cost of quantum computers, transforms their performance and scalability.

ÉireComposites is an innovative design, manufacturing and testing company, involved in lightweight, high-performance fibre reinforced composite materials, with an international blue-chip customer base of over 70 companies in the space, aerospace, marine, renewable energy and automotive sectors. ÉireComposites has established accredited aerospace composites manufacturing and testing facilities in Galway and has significant intellectual property in manufacturing and tooling for composite materials.