Overview
Welcome to the VOLT Experimenter Support Platform!¶
This platform is your gateway to the cutting-edge VOLT mission - a testbed for optical and quantum communication technologies orbiting Earth.
Payload of the VOLT mission¶
Join communications revolution:¶
- Experiment with high-bandwidth laser links and unlock ultrafast data transmission between space and Earth.
- Test the groundbreaking potential of quantum key distribution (QKD) for ultra-secure communication in space.
- Contribute to the development of innovative technologies that will shape the future of communications.
This platform is your one-stop shop for:¶
- Registering your experiment: Submit proposals, get approved and test your experiment
- Accessing essential resources: Explore comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and tools to design and execute your experiment.
- Connecting with the community: Network with other experimenters, share knowledge, and collaborate on groundbreaking projects.
- Keeping up-to-date: Get the latest news about the mission, platform updates, and upcoming opportunities.
Experimenter Selection Criteria for the VOLT Satellite¶
The VOLT mission welcomes participation from a diverse range of experimenters, including:
- Established space companies and government organizations: Seeking to validate new standards or technologies relevant to high-speed, secure optical communication infrastructure.
- Research institutions and universities: Contributing to advancements in optical communication research and development.
- Entrepreneurs and startups: Bringing innovative ideas and approaches to the field of satellite communication.
Key Selection Criteria¶
- Alignment with VOLT Objectives: Proposals should align with the VOLT mission goals of building a unified, high-speed, and secure optical communication infrastructure. This includes experiments focusing on:
- Investigating innovative solutions for high-speed data transmission using the VOLT satellite, including:
- Free-space optical links between satellites and ground stations.
- Advanced modulation formats and coding techniques for increased capacity and resilience.
- Contributing to the development of seamless interoperability between VOLT and existing terrestrial optical networks and optical ground stations.
- Experimenter Expertise: Teams should exhibit relevant expertise in their proposed area of experimentation, with a clear plan for execution and analysis.
- Potential Impact: Projects should have the potential to contribute significantly to the advancement of optical communication technologies and the success of the VOLT mission.
VOLT Payload Options:¶
The VOLT satellite offers three distinct payload options for experimentation:
- Classical Optical Payload: Experiment with established laser communication technologies for high-bandwidth data transmission using an reconfigurable FPGA transceiver module.
- Quantum Optical Communications Payload: Explore groundbreaking advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD) for ultra-secure communication.
- Hyperspectral Imager: Utilize a state-of-the-art imager to gather unique data for environmental monitoring, resource management, and other applications.
For more specific information about the payload: Payload of the VOLT mission.¶
Current project schedule of the VOLT misssion¶
- July 2023: Kick-Off
- Aug 2023: Design Phase (Current Phase)
- Jun 2024: Build Phase
- Dec 2024: Testing & Integration
- Mar 2026: Launch
- Jun 2026: Initial Operations
- Dec 2026: Experimenter Online
Early-Phase Involvement Focus:¶
As the VOLT satellite is currently in its initial development phase, the current selection process will prioritize proposals focusing on:
- Standard and Design Development: Contributing to the definition and development of standards, protocols, and interfaces for the VOLT infrastructure.
- Technology Evaluation and Integration: Evaluating and integrating cutting-edge optical communication technologies into the VOLT satellite design.
- Operational Concept Development: Defining and refining the operational procedures and strategies for the VOLT system.
While experimentation opportunities will eventually encompass a broader range of activities, the initial phase focuses on building a strong foundation for the mission's success.
Join the VOLT Journey:
We encourage innovative and passionate individuals and organizations to apply and contribute to the VOLT mission.
How to become an experimenter?¶
In order to get full access, a registration is required. To become an experimenter,
please contact us at : volt-experimenter-support@esa.int
Contact¶
For any questions please contact us at : volt-experimenter-support@esa.int