Grants and Contributions

This project advances higher-order Raman amplification reducing the need for intermediary sites and infrastructure. Fewer landing points enable greener, energy-efficient networks with lower capital costs. It also develops AI-assisted zero-touch provisioning to automate network commissioning.

This project aims to enhance the communication capabilities of CubeSats—small, cost-effective satellites that are transforming space exploration, communications, and defense. While CubeSats provide affordable access to space, their future potential is limited by constrained data transmission capacity, which hampers their ability to support advanced missions. To address this, the project will develop a compact, high-performance, and cost efficient optical amplifier system to enable high-speed laser communication. With an innovative optical design, this solution will optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP), reduce costs, support large-scale manufacturing, and improve readiness for space deployment. The ultimate goal is to deliver a fully qualified optical amplifier that meets the needs of next-generation CubeSat constellations and missions. This technology will support key applications such as Earth observation, scientific research in space, remote connectivity, and defense, while also strengthening Canada’s leadership and sovereignty in advanced technology and space communications.

The SUSTAINET feasibility study project is to help firm define their strategic roadmap, individual KPIs and integration points to better align their unique contribution to the project.

EUREKA Celtic Next - C2018/1-4 - EMBRACE - Efficient Multi-Band netwoRk Architecture and Components for Petabit/s Elastic networks - led by Orange (France) and others. Within the project, the designed and prototyped multi-band (MB) components (coherent transceivers, optical amplifiers, wavelength selective switches, lasers) will be integrated into a permanent project demonstrator and tested over real installed fibres owned by the operators participating to the consortium.

MPB Communications will focus on developing and demonstrating ultra wideband amplification solutions.

Large amounts of data move around the world through fiber-optic cables. However, in places where running cables is impractical, satellites are used instead. Optical links provide the critical connections that allow data to move between stations on Earth and satellite constellations in space.

This project will test different approaches to develop a system that can transfer data at rates that are 10 times faster than what is possible with current technologies. The project will answer important questions about how the optical links will function in space, such as under extreme weather conditions and limited electrical power. As a result, the system will be cost-effective, scalable for different data sizes, and space ready. It will position Canada as an important leader in satellite optical communication systems, increase the industry's competitive advantage, and develop highly qualified personnel.

At present, communication satellites rely on radio frequencies to relay data, which transmit at a much slower speed than terrestrial optical fibre links. Areas of Earth where optical fibre connectivity is prohibitively expensive or impractical rely on communications satellites to connect to the Internet, putting them at a disadvantage compared to urban areas.

MPB Communications will design and qualify a family of innovative optical amplifiers for space-borne laser communication terminals (LCTs). Advances in LCTs will enable remote regions to enjoy the same Internet connectivity as metropolitan areas. This will enable improved monitoring and protection of these regions, especially in the areas of environmental observation, weather forecasting, and climate change surveillance.

This project entitled « Innovative Versatile Optical Fiber Sensors Suite for Space Applications » consists of developing new sensors for the monitoring of high temperature and material erosion that are common during the launch and the re-entry of space vehicle.

13STFAYO07: This project entitled «Observations of Earth's surface and aerosol with a balloon-borne imaging Fabry-Perot spectrometer» has the objective(s) :
New instruments for atmospheric science related to meteorology application: This project will foster the creation of a critical mass of engineers, atmospheric scientists and students through the modification and completion of a miniature O2 A-band Fabry-Perot 2-D imaging spectrometer, developed by MPB Communications Inc. The project will provide the detailed design, modification, fabrication and validation of this spectrometer for atmospheric science, air quality and meteorology applications.