Kyocera's ceramic mirrors selected fo ISS-Earth optical comms

Kyocera's Fine Cordierite ceramic mirrors are set to play a crucial role in advancing optical communication between the International Space Station (ISS) and Earth. These mirrors have been incorporated into the Quantum-Small Optical Link (QSOL) developed by Sony Computer Science Laboratories. Commissioned by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, QSOL is a key component of the Secure Laser Communications Terminal for Low Earth Orbit (SeCRETS) project, aimed at demonstrating advanced on-orbit technology.

The project is a collaborative effort involving the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, the Next Generation Space System Technology Research Association, SKY Perfect JSAT, and Sony CSL. This groundbreaking experiment focuses on overcoming the current limitations of data transmission between Earth observation satellites and ground stations. Traditionally, communication relies on optical wireless methods using radio waves or visible light, which are increasingly inadequate due to the growing volume of data generated by advanced satellite sensors.

The introduction of Kyocera's Fine Cordierite ceramic mirrors is expected to revolutionize this field. These mirrors offer exceptional thermal and mechanical properties, such as low thermal expansion and long-term dimensional stability, crucial for maintaining the precise alignment needed for high-speed, high-capacity data transmission. The successful implementation of this technology could lead to data transmission speeds over 100 times faster than current radio wave methods, significantly enhancing the capabilities of space infrastructure.

Key Points of the Experiment

Kyocera's Contribution:

Fine Cordierite ceramic mirrors supplied for ISS-Earth optical communication.

QSOL Development:

Created by Sony Computer Science Laboratories under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Collaborative Effort:

Involves the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Next Generation Space System Technology Research Association, SKY Perfect JSAT, and Sony CSL.

Current Communication Methods:

Utilizes optical wireless communication with radio waves or visible light, essential for various data-dependent applications.

Challenges and Solutions:

Addressing the need for rapid transmission of large data volumes from Earth observation satellites.

Advantages of Kyocera’s Fine Cordierite Ceramic Mirrors:

Low Thermal Expansion: Ensures minimal dimensional changes, crucial for nanoscale precision.

High Mechanical Strength and Rigidity: Offers significantly greater strength and rigidity compared to low thermal expansion glass.

Long-Term Dimensional Stability: Provides stable performance over extended periods.

Radiation Resistance: Maintains consistent performance under radiation, suitable for space environments.

SeCRETS Launch and Experiment:

Launched on August 2, 2023, and installed on the ISS's Kibo module.

Demonstrated secure optical communication using one-time pad encryption between the ISS and a ground station.

https://www.sonycsl.co.jp/press/prs20240418/
https://www.sonycsl.co.jp/press/prs20240423/?lang=en

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Equinix to export heat from Paris data centre to Olympic Aquatic Centre

 Starting next month, Equinix will launch a significant Heat Export project at its newest data center in Paris, PA10. The recovered heat will be transferred to the Plaine Saulnier urban development zone and the Olympic Aquatic Centre, venues for the 2024 Summer Olympics. This initiative is set to provide sustainable heating solutions for the Olympic facilities, showcasing a practical application of green energy technology on a global stage.

Equinix is calling for municipal planning agencies, energy utilities, and heat network operators worldwide to join its innovative Heat Export program, which aims to harness the residual heat generated in its data centers for community use. This program offers a cleaner alternative to traditional heating methods, crucial during a time of rising global energy prices and supply constraints.

The Heat Export program recovers residual heat from Equinix's data centers and distributes it to nearby buildings, helping to reduce the reliance on conventional energy sources. Equinix has successfully implemented several Heat Export initiatives across Europe and the Americas, with projects in France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and Canada.

In Toronto, Equinix's TR5 IBX data center already distributes recovered heat to multiple residential buildings, a hotel, a university, and a shopping center in downtown Markham. Additionally, TR5 supplies domestic hot water year-round to several buildings through a partnership with Markham District Energy.

Equinix said it is dedicated to expanding its Heat Export program in suitable locations, identifying data centers that can serve as valuable heat sources for local communities. The company is actively seeking partnerships with heat network operators, energy utilities, and local municipalities to further these projects. By collaborating with these entities, Equinix aims to make a significant positive impact on the communities it serves.

"Our Heat Export program is one important way data centers can give back to their local communities," explained Gary Aitkenhead, SVP, EMEA IBX Operations, Equinix. "However, it is only possible through collaboration with energy providers, governments, and other third-party enablers. So, we are asking for more partners to join the program and re-use the heat from our operations for the good of people and our planet."

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Infinera hosts demo of 5G xHaul using coherent Open XR optics

Infinera hosted a multi-vendor demonstration of 5G mobile broadband xHaul using coherent open XR optics point-to-multipoint optical transmission.

Hosted at the European Open Test & Integration Center in Torino by TIM, the high-capacity xHaul application testing included fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul transport scenarios with XR-based coherent pluggable optics deployed in third-party hosts supporting point-to-point and point-to-multipoint optical transmission. The results of the performance testing included a successful demonstration of xHaul synchronization and timing distribution in a point-to-multipoint optical transport architecture.

Equipment used in the interoperable xHaul testing included Infinera ICE-X intelligent coherent pluggables, the DZS Saber 2200, and Calnex Paragon-NEO. Part of the work carried out by TIM and Infinera was supported by the EU project ALLEGRO, GA No. 101092766.

Infinera says the demo represents a key step toward enabling mobile operators to greatly simplify and reduce the cost of 5G and next-generation mobile transport network rollouts through the reduction of the number of optical transceivers, resulting in significant total cost of ownership savings.

“It is not only the significant bandwidth demands of 5G that create challenges for mobile operators, but also the fundamental misalignment between actual 5G network traffic patterns and the underlying transport technology,” said Ron Johnson, SVP and General Manager, Optical Subsystems and Global Engineering Group, Infinera. “Working in close collaboration with industry-leading mobile operators such as TIM, this testing validates the critical role that XR optics innovation can play in transforming the economics of 5G transport and paving the way for efficient 6G networks.”

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Aim raises $18 million for AI enterprise security

Aim Security, a start-up based in Tel Aviv, has announced $18 million in Series A funding for its development of AI-enabled enterprise security solutions.

Aim’s proactive, all-encompassing security platform governs and secures all forms of AI use across the modern business environment. Specifically tailored for AI’s unique threats, including sensitive data exposure, supply chain vulnerabilities, harmful or manipulated outputs, and the emergence of attack methods such as jailbreaks and prompt injection, Aim’s platform has already engendered significant customer trust across highly regulated industries, including banking, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense.

The funding round was led by Canaan Partners, with participation from the company’s seed investor, YL Ventures. Aim’s backers include the founders of WIZ and industry leaders from Palo Alto Networks, Proofpoint, and Google. This is among the fastest Series A rounds in cybersecurity history and brings Aim’s total funding to $28 million.

Aim Security was founded by cybersecurity veterans Matan Getz, CEO, and Adir Gruss, CTO, who have broken and built AI platforms, including in the IDF’s elite intelligence Unit 8200.

“Enterprise customers from a wide range of industries repeatedly asked us, ‘How can we embrace the undeniable advantages of cutting-edge AI technologies, such as heightened efficiency and optimized decision-making, without crossing our acceptable risk threshold?’” said Matan Getz, CEO of Aim Security. “At Aim, our mission is clear: to serve as the trusted AI security ally for enterprise security leaders and allow organizations to confidently unleash the potential of these technologies within their environment, knowing that Aim is their protection layer.”

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