In this project, the University of Luxembourg studied and evaluated a new concept of connecting space missions via space internet providers. The system requirements, necessary adaptations, and possible limitations are provided and discussed. Three types of space internet provider were studied and evaluated: Starlink, OneWeb and O3b mPOWER.

The use of optical (laser) feeder-links for next generation telecommunication satellites is receiving strong interest from commercial telecommunication providers because it will soon not be possible to support the projected growth in bandwidth using radio frequency bands (e.g. Ka-band). Moving to higher radio frequencies such as the Q/V or W-bands does not dramatically improve available bandwidth, while it increases atmospheric attenuation to a level comparable with the laser communication bands. Cloud coverage can be mitigated by site diversity, namely by using multiple (e.g.

Commonly used classical cryptographic protocols, such as the RSA-protocol, rely on the hardness of computational problems. With the advent of quantum computing (QC), the hardness assumptions of these problems is nullified, since they can be solved efficiently on a QC. On the other hand, the security of Quantum key distribution (QKD) rests upon the very laws of physics and guarantees information-theoretic security, which not only enables tap-proof communication at present, but also prevents any future technology to crack encrypted messages.

This activity investigates how mega-constellations can be used to provide low-Earth orbit (LEO) spacecraft with broadband low-latency services, a novel Concept with potential to disrupt spacecraft design, operation, and performance by allowing spacecraft to access mega-constellations’ enormous resources (Tbit/s throughputs) and global coverage at a lower cost than traditional data relay systems and ground station networks (two to fifty times cheaper, that is, a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month for a daily net capacity from hundredths of Gbit up to almost ten Tbit).

The Doherty concept has proven to be a very effective technique for designing amplifiers, which maintain a high efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions. This technique is extensively used in terrestrial applications like base stations where power efficiency is getting more and more attention. Power efficiency is also of concern for space and the Doherty concept could certainly help in designing more efficient PAs. Ka-band is now being considered for mobile services that could offer very high capacity as compared to the existing ones at L-band.

All telecommunications satellite radiators are typically covered with a low solar absorptance and a high infrared emittance coating. Because of the high emittance value, the satellite requires more power/battery for heating during eclipse. A tuneable infrared emittance coating can decrease it during an eclipse and can contribute indirectly to a reduction of the battery mass. A low absorptance coating minimises the solar heat load on the radiator and consequently its size and mass.

Current chemical propulsion systems rely on the hypergolic reaction of dangerous, corrosive and toxic chemicals. The selection of these chemicals was driven by a range of needs including performance, storability and reliability. They have also driven up the sub-system design justification cost. Current ''green'' propulsion options can offer some mitigation of these issues however most alternatives are not benign chemicals and continue to have safety and cost concerns. Electrolysis (ECLSS heritage) technology in Europe is at a high TRL.

Reflectarrays and transmitarrays can be designed to steer the reflected and transmitted beam away from the specular direction or to shape it according to preassigned requirements. Their properties can be tuned also with respect to the frequency. Their increased number of degrees of freedom may be beneficial in the design of multibeam antennas.