Optical High-Speed Data Network in Space - An Update on HydRON's System Concept

The High thRoughput Optical Network (HydRON) vision of the European Space Agency (ESA) is to seamlessly extend terrestrial high-capacity networks into space. The paper presents an update following the successful conclusion of internal assessments addressing various mission-and first system implementation aspects, as well as the conclusion of external studies completed in 2021. It focuses on two main aspects: a) providing a high level overview of the HydRON system concept, with more detail offered on the payload architectural options and b) providing an overview of the HydRON trade-offs that drive the overall end-to-end system design and performances of the HydRON Mission.