Exail will deliver advanced micro-optical modules and fiber-based amplification systems to Thales Alenia Space for integration into SOLiS, a very-high throughput space laser communications demonstrator selected by CNES, the French space agency, as part of the space component of the France 2030 program launched by the French government.
Developed by a consortium led by Thales Alenia Space on behalf of CNES, SOLiS aims to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of an optical communications service relying on geostationary satellites and ground stations. This service aims to strengthen intercontinental network resilience at a time of increasing sabotage against land and subsea optical fiber links. Geostationary satellites offer an effective and cost-effective solution for ultra-secure transfers of large amounts of data between two users on Earth, delivering very high data rates of up to one terabit per second despite distances and atmospheric disturbances.
As part of the program, Exail will supply flying models of free-space micro-optical multiplexer (MUX) and demultiplexer (DEMUX) modules for both the satellite payload and the ground station, as well as a complete low-noise optical amplifier (LNOA) module and several single-channel optical amplifiers (LOFAs) - built on Exail’s radiation-hardened doped fibers - for the reception channel of the SOLiS payload. These technologies will enable the SOLiS demonstrator to achieve terabit-per-second data rates, while maintaining compactness, robustness, and thermal stability suited to the most demanding space environments.
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Download free sample pages More information"Through our expertise in optical amplification and micro-optics, Exail provides compact and robust high-performance solutions designed to meet the most stringent constraints of space missions,” said Joel Tchahame, industrial project manager at Exail. “Our vertically integrated production, from fiber manufacturing to space-qualified modules, ensures a reliable and sovereign European supply chain for next-generation satellite communications.”
“Exail has played a key role in the development of optical satellite communications in France since 2018. In various CNES-supervised projects such as the TELEO demonstration or CO-OP (France Relance), Exail already developed and supplied space-grade low power amplifiers, passive optical components and laser communication equipment. The SOLiS demonstrator can now benefit from this strong heritage.” said Frédéric Lacoste, project manager in charge of SOLiS at CNES.”
With over two decades of expertise in space-grade photonics, Exail continues to bridge research, industrialization, and operational deployment, supporting the emergence of resilient, sovereign optical communication networks across Europe.
*Service Optique de Liaisons Spatiales Sécurisées (Secure Optical space Link Service) – a program selected by CNES as part of the space component of the France 2030 program launched by the French government.
