The MWP4SPACE Doctoral Network will train the next generation of specialists in Integrated Microwave Photonic (IMWP) devices and systems in the framework of satellite and space applications. They will gain skills to integrate compact photonic and radio frequency (RF) circuits, and cutting-edge knowledge of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design, fabrication, packaging, validation, and qualification, both at the device and system level – competences for which there is a fast-growing demand in the global satellite industry, but that are rarely taught in an integrated training program. Importantly, those skills are deemed essential to achieve the scientific goals of the program, which are to develop, introduce and promote IMWP technologies for secure and reconfigurable networks of LEO- and MEO satellites for telecommunications (SATCOM) and Earth Observations.

MWP4SPACE will offer a unique education program for 15 young researchers structured in research projects and network-wide training activities and delivered by 6 European Universities, 1 non-profit academic research institution and 9 companies which are world-class references in both photonics and space technologies. DCs will be allocated to perform research on specific links across the whole satellite network, and demonstrate the potential to achieve the following state-of-the-art targets

MWP4SPACE partnership is uniquely positioned to successfully implement an ambitious Training Programme (WP6) containing a strong research/technical component, structured in four Research Work Packages: WP2 – Microwave Systems for space communications and sensing and WP3 – Microwave Photonics: Devices and Circuits will be dedicated to the design and testing of the IMWP devices, and the subsystems/systems that will be facilitated by these integrated devices. WP4 – Microwave Electronics: Drivers, Amplifiers, and TIAs will focus on the development of the electronic circuits that need to be deployed in conjunction with the photonic devices to enable fully functioning IMWP systems, while WP5 – Space-Compliant- Packaging and usability of microwave systems will ensure that suitable packaging solutions are in place so that the IMWP systems can be deployed in practical satellite and space applications.