A consortium funded by Horizon Europe is set to develop laser sensors that will help satellites navigate with ultra precision and enable drones to fly further for longer.
The project aims to unlock new possibilities in space navigation, autonomous systems, and earth monitoring while boosting Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Launched by the European Commission under the Photonics Partnership, and supported by Photonics21, the project could transform space exploration and autonomous systems with new sensors that use tiny pulses of laser light to improve satellite navigation and earth observation.
Overcoming Current Challenges
Currently, sensors struggle with precision in harsh environments with low visibility, like fog or dust. Even the smallest measurement error can lead to significant problems in trajectory and positioning over long distances in space, resulting in costly mistakes. Additionally, these sensors consume large amounts of power, which is extremely limited in space and autonomous systems. High power consumption can quickly drain batteries and limit the operational time of space satellites and drones.
The INPHOMIR Project
The ‘INPHOMIR’ project is developing two new ultra-low-power compact sensing devices: an optical gyroscope and a mid-infrared FMCW lidar, aiming to make space missions more efficient and cost-effective.
Daniele Palaferri, senior scientist at GEM Elettronica and project coordinator of INPHOMIR, commented: “As we aim to explore space much deeper while conducting more complex missions, the need for precise, reliable, and efficient sensors is now more critical than ever. The advanced sensing technologies we are developing will hopefully enhance the accuracy of satellite positioning, improve navigation for interplanetary missions, and ensure the success of space exploration.”
Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)
The INPHOMIR project is building its sensors onto Indium Phosphide (InP), a special material that allows scientists to squeeze large computing power into something the size of a thumbnail – creating super-efficient, tiny sensors. The team uses InP to make advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs) that surpass current technologies. More information about Indium Phosphide (InP).
PICs are similar to microchips in a phone or computer, but instead of using electricity to move information around, PICs use light. In a regular chip, electric signals travel through wires to process information. In a PIC, however, light beams travel through tiny channels, doing the same job but often much faster and using much less energy.
“Unlike existing optical gyroscopes and mid-IR lidar systems, INPHOMIR integrates all photonic components onto a single chip, reducing size, weight, and power consumption. This means all parts of a sensor can be combined on a single chip, and the overall device can be much smaller. By addressing big-data challenges through the development of data-fusion and AI algorithms, we aim to create solutions capable of handling massive flows of data,” Palaferri explained.
The Technologies
The team is developing an advanced optical gyroscope – a super-smart balancing tool for machines and vehicles like satellites and drones that helps them navigate with ultra precision and stay on course. Instead of mechanical parts, it uses laser light to measure how fast and in which direction something is spinning. Learn more about optical gyroscopes.
Inside the gyroscope, beams of light are sent spinning around in circles. When the device moves or turns, the path of this spinning light changes slightly. Sensors then detect these changes and calculate the exact movement and direction.
The team is also developing a mid-infrared FMCW lidar – a technology similar to radar, but with laser light instead of sound to create detailed 3D maps of the environment. For more details, see this whitepaper on FMCW lidar technology.
“Think of a bat’s echolocation system, but for machines like drones and self-driving cars. Our frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar sends out a continuous laser beam that changes its frequency over time. By doing this, it can measure distances very accurately, even if objects are moving.”
The team is developing its sensors with mid-infrared light because it can see through things that usually block normal light, such as dust, fog, and other obstacles.
“For drones and self-driving cars, this lidar helps them ‘see’ their surroundings in incredible detail, even in bad weather or at night, allowing safer and more reliable operation. In space missions, this technology can help satellites and rovers navigate and map out unknown terrains with precision,” Palaferri said.
Applications and Impact
The INPHOMIR sensing technologies are also being developed to improve upon existing drones – including the Horus, Helyx-Zero, and Helyx-One varieties – helping them navigate on their own. Horus can carry heavy equipment and is perfect for creating detailed 3D maps and doing tricky jobs all by itself. Helyx-Zero is small and lightweight, which is ideal for farming and examining areas like fields.
These drones will make tasks like surveying land, inspecting buildings, and farming much easier and more accurate. Using the advanced AI technology being developed by the INPHOMIR team, these drones will work on their own, saving time and reducing human effort.
Developing PICs is complicated and expensive, requiring billions of euros, advanced technology, and a highly skilled workforce. At present, most PICs are made in parts of Asia, where considerable investment has been made to develop this industry over decades. For more context, see this article on photonic integrated circuits.
However, by providing miniaturized and advanced photonic technologies, the INPHOMIR project is set to boost European industries and help create an EU PIC ecosystem.
“Our pioneering advancements in PIC-based hardware technology promise to revolutionize the supply chain management (SCM) processes of EU companies. With our own supply of PICs, Europe can innovate faster and create new technologies, keeping us at the forefront of technological advancements. The project’s success will mark a significant milestone in photonic sensing technology, offering a competitive edge to European industries, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to technological excellence,” said Palaferri.
Project Details
The INPHOMIR project is a collaborative endeavor funded under the HORIZON-RIA (HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions) and supported by the Horizon Europe program, the EU’s key funding program for research and innovation.
The project brings together a consortium of academic institutions and industrial partners. The multidisciplinary project is coordinated in Italy by GEM ELETTRONICA SRL and will conclude in 2027. It includes eight other partners: Politecnico Di Bari, Sigma Ingegneria Srl, Warrant Hub Spa (Italy), Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (Netherlands), Technische Universitaet Muenchen (Germany), University College Cork – National University Of Ireland, Cork (Ireland), Endurosat Ad (Bulgaria), and Bewarrant (Belgium).
