This workshop will feature talks on different applications of Optics and Photonics in space. Employing Optics and Photonics beyond earth’s atmosphere is a new frontier for laser communications, optical sensors, and space exploration, which is being driven by the affordable launch cost of small satellite systems (e.g. CubeSats), the military, NASA’s space telescopes, as well as the commercial delivery systems of SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.

These applications include secure quantum optical communication systems, optical sensors for earth observation (weather forecasting, climate change, natural resources), space-based Lidar systems, monitoring sun activity for solar storms, the Hubble and James Webb telescopes for deep space observation, planetary missions (e.g. New Horizon Pluto and Kuiper belt mission), the search for extra-terrestrial life and exoplanets, and space based optical interferometers for the detection of gravitational waves. A NASA sponsored program – Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD), 622 megabits per second from moon to earth, ushered in a new era in high-speed outer space laser communications, changing the landscape of laser-based space data communication forever. The future NASA Orion Mission (human to moon) will include a lasercom link. In addition, closer to earth, Google and Facebook are exploring high-speed free-space optical communications (Internet in the sky) for expanding their customer base.

This workshop will bring together leading experts in this field to discuss the latest technological applications of Optics and Photonics in space. This workshop also aims to foster communication and collaboration through networking among the individual engineers and researchers attending. Learn more about the rapid innovations in space optics and photonics directly from the foremost researchers in the different specialties involved, by registering for and attending this local Boston workshop on Applications of Optics and Photonics in Space.