Europe's newest rocket is scheduled to launch for the first time on July 9, and among the payloads to be carried into orbit on this first mission is something called LIFI ... an experiment in light-speed secure communications.
“The LIFI experiment ... will be the first time that Li-Fi technology has been embedded in a space launcher, enabling us to demonstrate the robustness of Li-Fi systems."
Benjamin Azoulay, Oledcomm.
LIFI is a new technology experiment from French company Oledcomm, a spinoff from Paris-Saclay University.
Wi-Fi (‘Wireless Fidelity’) uses radio waves to send data without wires, providing wireless internet and network connections. Li-Fi (‘Light Fidelity’) does the same using light, that for certain applications may offer greater security, higher bandwidth, lower cost and power consumption compared to using Wi-Fi. “LEDs can switch on and off several million times a second. Using the invisible spectrum of light in the infrared, Oledcomm converts information into binary data, like optical Morse code. This modulation occurs so quickly, more than 10 million times a second, that the eye cannot perceive it. Our experiment will confirm that this technology can also be used under space conditions."
For space missions, Li-Fi technology allows for ultra-secure and interference-free wireless connection, and significant weight savings by eliminating radiation-resistant space-grade cables. It is an important step forward too for intra-satellite communications – i.e. the exchange of information between different subsystems within a single satellite. Ariane 6, during its first launch set for early July, will be the first rocket to integrate Li-Fi technology.
The 40 x 60 x 16 mm LIFI experiment consists of two ‘SatelLiFe’ modules 80 cm apart, fitted under the rocket's fairing, which will communicate via Li-Fi. On detection of lift-off, they will exchange data with each other, enabling the team to study the communication performance and ensure the system is robust to withstand the rigors of launch.
The LIFI experiment could simplify the process of integrating payloads onto Ariane 6 as, in the future, Li-Fi technology could be used to communicate between rocket parts instead of cables, lessening the mass onboard and therefore the amount of fuel needed, potentially having an impact on the associated carbon footprint.
“The LIFI experiment ... will be the first time that Li-Fi technology has been embedded in a space launcher, enabling us to demonstrate the robustness of Li-Fi systems and plan for future integration onto other missions, rockets, satellites and spacecraft,” said Benjamin Azoulay, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Oledcomm.
“This is an incredible opportunity offered to us by Ariane Group and ESA, whom we would like to thank. Beyond the visibility of being part of Ariane 6’s first launch, which is going to be enormous, with the technical support from Ariane Group teams we have increased our skills in various areas. We are happy to be part of the adventure and hope it will be a success.”