What is being billed as the first integration of light fidelity (LiFi) in space, a module was implemented onto a nanosatellite that was launched into space by a SpaceX rocket.
The Inspire Sat-7 nanosatellite was launched into space earlier this month and carried with it the Satelife LiFi module developed by Oledcomm and Laboratoire Atmosphères, Observations Spatiales (LATMOS) of France.
The goal of the launch is to show how LiFi technologies can be used to benefit aerospace operations including:
- Plug-and-play wireless integration of the payload
- Reduced satellite installation
- Reduced interference
- Enhanced security
- Lighter weight
LiFi is a wireless communications technology that uses the light spectrum to transmit data instead of radio waves. Wireless devices inside a satellite are susceptible to RF interference, however, because LiFi uses light wave and light emitting diodes (LEDs), the technology can send data through the modulation of light at high frequencies.
These signals are confined to a single area, which gives greater control over who has access to the transmission and provides secure access. These benefits are crucial to security in space missions.
The nanosatellite was placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) and designed for Sun and Earth observations related to climate change. The Inspire Sat-7 nanosatellite has been equipped with miniaturized sensors to measure climate variables and test new technological advances.
