COM DEV LTD
Photonics for Space-based Communications Networks — Satellite optical communications terminals currently in use as well as those that are in advanced development, use large steering mechanisms to direct lasers at their intended targets. 

This project will develop and test a low-cost, light-weight, electronic pointing system to replace existing steering mechanisms. The new system will use a high-efficiency optical phased array to transmit signals more reliably and will be small enough to fit on a single chip. This project will also test the system's ability to work with other optical components, which will lower costs and accelerate the adoption of satellite based optical communications for a range of applications.