Space
iXblue has developed solutions for space applications for more than 20 years. The company has developed space proven gyroscopes and inertial navigation systems in partnership with Airbus Defence & Space: more than 30 satellites are today equipped with Astrix Gyroscopes, cumulating more than 6 millions of hours in the harshest orbit (GEO).
Leveraging 30 years of advanced expertise in Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes, iXblue has complete mastery over all the components that are integrated into its systems, from the optical fibers, to integrated optical circuits and accelerometers. Today the company offers space grade optical components and systems up to a fully integrated transceiver for optical high-speed communications.
Navigation & Guidance
Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for safe landing on other planets and scientific missions:
ExoMars mission is embarking an Astrix 90 for the navigation during the travel to Mars and to manage the very sensitive and difficult landing phase on Mars. Astrix 90 gyroscopes and accelerometers have been qualified for this very harsh environment and for the high speeds, accelerations and shocks of the landing phase.
Attitude & Orbit Control Systems (AOCS)
Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) for telecom satellites:
Astrix are space proven gyroscopes. With more than 6 million hours in orbit and 20 years of experience, they have a strong reputation for performance and reliability in space environment. Astrix gyroscopes can be used in all orbits (LEO, MEO and GEO) and also at Lagrange points and for interplanetary missions.
Attitude & Orbit Control Systems (AOCS)
Fiber-Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) for Earth observation, strategic telecom satellites and constellations:
We provide fail-safe inertial solution for numerous space applications such as military and scientific satellites, global navigation satellites including Galileo, telecommunications and Earth observation satellites. iXblue has developed a dedicated gyroscope, Astrix NS, to address the new challenges of the space industry. It brings high-inertial performance and reliability in a compact design and at a competitive price.
Navigation & Guidance
Inertial Navigation Systems for launchers:
Combining iXblue Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (FOG), iXblue, own vibrating accelerometers and a dedicated highly robust hybridization algorithm, the safety inertial navigation system (INS) dedicated to launchers is used on all Ariane 5 since 2020. It will be on board Ariane 6 from 2022.
Laser communications between ground base stations, aircrafts and satellites
Laser communications between ground base stations, aircrafts and satellites
Laser communications between GEO, LEO satellites and Earth
Multiplexers / Demultiplexers (Mux/Demux) based on a space-grade assembly process of micro-optics
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Integrated systems, sub-systems and modules:
– Low Noise Optical Amplifier (LNOA)
– Optical Channel Emitter (OCE)
– Optical Channel Receiver (OCR)
Laser communications between GEO, LEO satellites and Earth
Multiplexers / Demultiplexers (Mux/Demux) based on a space-grade assembly process of micro-optics
See more
Integrated systems, sub-systems and modules:
– Low Noise Optical Amplifier (LNOA)
– Optical Channel Emitter (OCE)
– Optical Channel Receiver (OCR)
More News and customer stories
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20 Mar 2024- Photonics & Space
Exail signs NASA JPL contract to provide GRACE-C mission with space-grade optical components
Exail announces the signing of a 1.1M€ contract with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide space-grade (TRL9) LiNbO3 phase modulators for the laser ranging interferometer…Learn more -
19 Sep 2023
- Photonics & Space
Optical hybrid in free-space: advanced demodulation solution for quantum to space applications
Exail has an extensive experience in developing innovative technologies enabling ever higher transmission rate for fiber-optic telecommunications. Exail COH 90° Optical Hybrid now finds relevant…Learn more -
8 Sep 2023
- Photonics & Space
Optical modulators: en route for the New Space
Today, is thrilled to announce that its space-grade lithium niobate optical modulator are now available within new Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product lines. Such standardized versions are…Learn more -
23 May 2023
- Photonics & Space
CARIOQA-PMP: Towards a space grade quantum gravimeter for Earth and Climate Monitoring
Exail will play a central role in CARIOQA-PMP, a European project that aims at developing a quantum sensor for space application, relying on the spatialization…Learn more -
20 Apr 2022
- Photonics & Space
Optical transceivers for high-speed space communications: en route for the New Space
In space, the standard transmission solutions using RF technology are limited to a data-rate of hundreds Mbit/s, at best. The need for high-speed communications, reaching…Learn more -
6 Feb 2022
- Photonics & Space
iXblue officially presents Astrix NS performances at ASS GNC conference
iXblue was at the annual Rocky Mountain AAS Guidance, Navigation and Control conference in Breckenridge to present Astrix NS, the newcomer in the Astrix family.Learn more -
29 Apr 2021
- Photonics & Space
iXblue on board the International Space Station with the LUMINA dosimeter
In partnership with CNES (the French Space Agency), the Hubert Curien laboratory and CERN, iXblue has developed a fiber-optic dosimeter that will be tested for…Learn more -
4 Feb 2021
- Photonics & Space
iXblue kicks off with Airbus Defence and Space, the DLR and ETH Zurich the European project EURISA
The EU-funded EURISA project is developing a European cost-effective and performant IMU based on fibre optic gyroscopes and quartz accelerometers for future space missions.Learn more
