
Flight-proven photonics
solutions for space
Today, photonics-based solutions address new opportunities for space applications, in particular laser communications. Optical technologies can transmit Gbit/s of data-rates, 10 to 100 times more than standard RF technologies, while being jam resistant. They also need less volume, weight and power. Exail offers a range of space grade optical components, sub-systems and optical transceivers to equip satellites and ground-based stations.
Exail develops components and systems to support its customers for their most complex challenges in severe environments. For more than 20 years, Exail has developed space proven Fiber-Optic-Gyroscopes in partnership with Airbus Defence & Space. They integrate optical components developed in-house.
Optical solutions for the New Space Era
Exail pioneer in space proven components and integrated systems for optical communication, prodiving cutting-edge solutions.
Main challenges of optical communication in space is to overcome interferences, long-distance and harsh conditions with highly reliable components and systems. Exail’s space-grade products and systems are robust by design and based on proven technology deployed in the harshest orbit (GEO). They also fit many requirements of the New Space market for LEO/MEO satellites and constellations.
Laser communications between GEO satellites and Earth
From space-grade optical components to sub-systems and modules, up to a fully integrated transceiver for high-speed space communications for Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
Learn moreLaser communications between LEO satellites and Earth
From space-grade optical components to sub-systems and modules, up to a fully integrated transceiver for high-speed space communications for Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Learn moreLaser communications between ground base stations, aircrafts and satellites
Reference transmitters and receivers for ground base stations (ModBox OGS)
Learn moreLaser communications between ground base stations, aircrafts and satellites
Low noise optical amplifiers (LNOA)
Learn moreLaser communications in space
Exail masters the manufacturing of “flight proven” (TRL9) optical components and systems. Radiation hardened (rad-hard) fibers, Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs), fiber sources, low noise optical amplifiers (LNOA), Multiplexers/Demultiplexers (MUX/DEMUX) and other micro-optics assemblies are available. They can be integrated into compact Optical Channel Emitter (OCE) or Optical Channel Reception (OCR) sub-systems, or into fully integrated optical transceivers.
Robust by design, Exail solutions are based on proven technology already deployed in the harshest orbit (GEO). To fit the requirements of the New Space market for LEO/MEO satellite constellations, those optical components are now offered in standardized Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product lines.


Ground based stations for laser communications in space
Satellite constellations orbiting Earth to transmit communications between different points on our planet form a mesh that is connected to ground stations to send data back to Earth. These ground based stations can be equipped with optical solutions to play the role of optical communication links.
Exail offers several solutions for this application: integrated modulation solution for reference transmitters and receivers (ModBox OGS), and doped fibers for high-power amplifiers and low noise optical amplifiers (LNOA).
Photonics solutions for Earth observation
Currently used to share Earth observation data like climate studies and environmental monitoring, the radio frequency communication channels are saturating. Optical solutions are emerging as a reliable solution to circumvent this situation. Earth imaging systems using photonics allow the transfer of ultra-high-resolution images of our planet taken from satellites in orbit, at very high throughput rates.
Exail delivers optical components for integration into such systems. Exail optical components can also help to design new LIDAR systems and quantum sensors to be deployed in space. They offer new capabilities to measure distances with high accuracy, enabling detailed mapping of Earth's surface and topography, or other high-precision measurements.
