ADVANCING SPACE WITH FIBER OPTICS
The space industry, a rapidly evolving frontier of technology and innovation, has expanded its scope beyond mere exploration to include telecommunications, Earth observation, and even commercial travel. This sector increasingly relies on advanced materials and technologies, among which fiber optics play a crucial role.
Inertial navigation and attitude control are vital for direction finding and solar cell pointing on a range of space vehicles ranging from LEO, MEO and GEO satellites to planetary rovers. Fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs) are one of the key enabling technologies, utilizing Fibercore’s HB-G polarization maintaining (PM) optical fibers at the heart of the gyro. For long duration or deep space missions, radiation tolerant variants are required. Fibercore’s range of Radiation Tolerant (RT) PM fibers fulfills this need.
As the demands for faster data transmission and more reliable connections in space missions grow, the integration of fiber optics continues to propel the space industry into new realms of possibility and efficiency. Erbium Ytterbium doped TC1500Y(11/125)HD amplifier fiber is used within LEO satcom systems, enabling satellite-to-satellite and ground-to-satellite optical communications.
Specialty Optical Fiber for Space Applications
Launch Vehicles
PM optical fiber used within stabilization systems and AOCS to safely and accurately deliver payloads into orbit.
Optical Ground Stations
High power ErYb doped fibers for rapidly reconfigurable line of sight communication between the ground, aircraft and satellites.
Satellite Optical Communications
Inter satellite optical communications powered by low to medium powered Er and ErYb doped optical fiber amplifiers.
Attitude & Orbit Control Systems (AOCS)
FOGs (Fiber Optic Gyroscopes) compliment the satellite's sensor suite for high accuracy control of pointing and positioning.
MEO & GEO Satellites
High powered ErYb doped fiber for long range optical communications and to facilitate interoperability between constellations.
Planetary Exploration
Radiation tolerant PM fibers used in FOGs (Fiber Optic Gyroscopes) for lander and rover solar cell pointing, navigation and guidance systems.
What Fibers are Used in Space?
In the demanding environment of space, where systems must perform flawlessly under extreme temperature swings, vibration, and high-radiation exposure, Fibercore’s specialty optical fibers offer unmatched performance and reliability. Triple-Clad Doped Fiber is an essential component in satellite communications and optical amplification systems, delivering high-power signal amplification and exceptional splice consistency thanks to its innovative triple cladding structure. This design enhances pump light confinement and long-term reliability, making it ideal for fiber lasers and high-power amplifiers used in space-borne communication links and LiDAR payloads that demand both efficiency and durability.
For precision navigation and inertial measurement, Polarization-Maintaining (PM) Gyro Fibers play a critical role in fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) systems that steer satellites, spacecraft, and planetary vehicles. Fibercore’s Radiation Tolerant PM Fiber variants are engineered to withstand the harsh ionizing environment of space while maintaining high polarization extinction and consistency across temperature extremes, ensuring reliable attitude control and guidance. Complementing these, the Standard Gyro Fiber (HB800G) offers industry-leading birefringence and stable performance for applications where polarization integrity is paramount. Together, these PM fibers support advanced navigation and sensing systems that are foundational to modern space missions.
