Safran DSI - IRIS Optical Ground Station for Space Laser Communications
IRIS optical ground stations are built to cater to a wide range of applications (LEO/GEO/Probes), including Earth observation, high throughput bi-directional telecommunications, feeder link, or deep space missions. The IRIS systems leverage the Cortex Lasercom, a globally recognized optical modem that supports various standards such as SDA, CCSDS, and HPE.
RECEIVING LASER COMMUNICATIONS
Built entirely in-house by Safran, the IRIS optical ground station stands at the forefront of innovation, boasting cutting-edge telescopes and optronic components tailored for seamless transmission and reception of laser communications.
This groundbreaking technology unlocks a realm of possibilities for every stakeholder in the space sector, thanks to higher, more secure space-to-ground data rates.
INTEGRATE THE CORTEX LASERCOM IN YOUR STATION
IRIS optical ground stations also integrate the Cortex Lasercom modem. This cutting-edge solution surpasses all expectations by offering communication speeds 10 to 100 times higher than traditional radio frequency communications. With its processing and decoding capabilities, the Cortex Lasercom can achieve a record bit rate of 10 Gigabits per second for Earth-to-space optical communications, a level unequalled anywhere in the world.
The Cortex Lasercom will be used in a number of cooperative projects between Safran, Airbus and CNES, and will equip future optical ground stations marketed by Safran. These Optical Ground Stations will allow communication with all future satellites that will carry laser communication capabilities with the Earth. Two demonstrations on Airbus and CNES programs took place in 2023, a world first: LASIN on the CO3D constellation of imaging satellites, and TELEO on the future BADR-8 telecommunications satellite.
Finally, a Cortex Lasercom HPE (High Photon Efficiency) model is also available for Deep Space applications.
IRIS Features
High Data Rate |
Up to 10 Gbps/second |
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Multi Applications & Missions |
Earth Observation, High Throughput bi-directional Telecommunication, Feeder link or Deep Space |
In-House Solution |
Compatible with Safran CORTEX and with SDA, CCSDS and HPE standards |
More Product Information

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Versatile temperature range for extreme environments
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IEEE 1588 PTP
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Power over Ethernet
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P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
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Monochrome (GT2750) and color (GT2750C) models
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GigE Vision interface with Power over Ethernet
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Screw mount RJ45 Ethernet connector for secure operation in industrial environments
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Supports cable lengths up to 100 meters (CAT-6 recommended)
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Trigger over Ethernet Action Commands allow for a single cable solution to reduce system costs
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Comprehensive I/O functionality for simplified system integration
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Popular C-Mount lens mount
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Easy camera mounting via standard M3 threads or optional tripod adapter
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Easy software integration with Allied Vision's Vimba Suite and compatibility to the most popular third party image-processing libraries.
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Defect pixel column masking feature with the Load Defect Tables tool that allows you to manage a user defined defective pixel list to match your application and optimize the life cycle of the camera.
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Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 32 dB)
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Auto exposure (manual exposure control: 10 µs to 26.8 s)
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Auto white balance (GT3300C only)
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Binning (horizontal and vertical)
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Color correction, hue, saturation (GT3300C only)
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Column defect masking
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Decimation X/Y
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Gamma correction
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Three look-up tables (LUTs)
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Region of interest (ROI), separate ROI for auto features
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Reverse X/Y
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P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
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Event channel
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Image chunk data
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IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
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RS232
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Storable user sets
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StreamBytesPerSecond (bandwidth control)
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Stream hold
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Sync out modes: Trigger ready, input, exposing, readout, imaging, strobe, GPO
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Tap mode switchable in Vimba Viewer 2.0 or later (four-tap, one-tap)
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Temperature monitoring (main board and sensor board)
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Trigger over Ethernet (ToE) Action Commands

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Versatile temperature range for extreme environments
-
IEEE 1588 PTP
-
Power over Ethernet
-
P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
-
Monochrome (GT2450) and color (GT2450C) models
-
GigE Vision interface with Power over Ethernet
-
Screw mount RJ45 Ethernet connector for secure operation in industrial environments
-
Supports cable lengths up to 100 meters (CAT-6 recommended)
-
Trigger over Ethernet Action Commands allow for a single cable solution to reduce system costs
-
Comprehensive I/O functionality for simplified system integration
-
Popular C-Mount lens mount
-
Easy camera mounting via standard M3 threads or optional tripod adapter
-
Easy software integration with Allied Vision's Vimba Suite and compatibility to the most popular third party image-processing libraries.
-
Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 32 dB)
-
Auto exposure (manual exposure control: 10 µs to 26.8 s)
-
Auto white balance (GT2300C only)
-
Binning (horizontal and vertical)
-
Color correction, hue, saturation (GT2300C only)
-
Column defect masking
-
Decimation X/Y
-
Gamma correction
-
Three look-up tables (LUTs)
-
Region of interest (ROI), separate ROI for auto features
-
Reverse X/Y
-
P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
-
Event channel
-
Image chunk data
-
IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
-
RS232
-
Storable user sets
-
StreamBytesPerSecond (bandwidth control)
-
Stream hold
-
Sync out modes: Trigger ready, input, exposing, readout, imaging, strobe, GPO
-
Tap mode switchable in Vimba Viewer 2.0 or later (four-tap, one-tap)
-
Temperature monitoring (main board and sensor board)
-
Trigger over Ethernet (ToE) Action Commands

The new Light Hub for Zebra Iris GTX Smart Cameras (HCS-150-ZEB) streamlines machine vision system setup. This innovative controller acts as a central hub, directly powering your Zebra Iris GTX Smart Camera while managing triggering and analog dimming control between the camera, compatible lights, and I/O accessories.
Equipped with Advanced Illumination’s SignaTech™ technology, the Light Hub delivers 4 amps of continuous output and up to 8 amps of overdrive strobe. This empowers you to choose from a vast array of Advanced Illumination lighting configurations, ensuring optimal illumination for your application. Whether you need seamless integration with an 3×3 infrared backlight or would like to overdrive strobe a 70″ high intensity bar light, the Light Hub delivers.
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Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 26 dB; 1 dB increments)
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Auto exposure (18 µs to 126 s; 1 µs increments)
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Black level (offset)
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Decimation
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Gamma correction
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Three look-up tables (LUTs)
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Pixel defect masking
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Piecewise Linear HDR mode
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Region of interest (ROI), separate ROI for auto features
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Reverse X/Y
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Auto-iris (video type)
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Event channel
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Image chunk data
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IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
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Storable user sets
-
StreamBytesPerSecond (bandwidth control)
-
Stream hold
-
Sync out modes: Trigger ready, input, exposing, readout, imaging, strobe, GPO
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Temperature monitoring (main board)
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Trigger over Ethernet (ToE) Action Commands

The Mission Recorder Cockpit Remote Control Unit is mounted in a cockpit dashboard and connect to a recorder system. The MCRCR shows status information on the NVG compatible display and can remote control the Mission Recorder System.
The ENERTEC™ mission data processing and distribution units are dependable, cost-effective solutions designed to facilitate field and mission data handling, processing, storage, analysis, and distribution. These units are compatible with both manned and unmanned ground, air, and sea vehicles, offering a dependable resource. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing and validation, adhering to industry-standard testing procedures such as DO-160 and MIL-STD-810.

ARES (formerly IRIS) from Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (formerly Safran Data Systems, Inc.) represents the next-gen in transportable antenna systems. Packed in portable cases for easy handling, ARES can be shipped using standard methods and be fully operational in under an hour in the field, standing by to support satellites. Utilizing a reliable pedestal design and a dual-band concentric feed, ARES antenna ensures pinpoint accuracy and top-notch antenna performance. Crafted from standard (LRU) parts, it’s a breeze to maintain and service on-site, guaranteeing maximum uptime for all satellite missions. Combined with the SATCORE combo box (Command/Control modem & high-rate receiver) and the TM MAESTRO Monitoring & Control software, ARES is the all-in-one portable satellite tracking system.
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Auto gain (manual gain control: 0 to 32 dB)
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Auto exposure (manual exposure control: 10 µs to 26.8 s)
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Auto white balance (GT1910C only)
-
Binning (horizontal and vertical)
-
Color correction, hue, saturation (GT1910C only)
-
Column defect masking
-
Decimation X/Y
-
Gamma correction
-
Three look-up tables (LUTs)
-
Region of interest (ROI), separate ROI for auto features
-
Reverse X/Y
-
P-Iris and DC-Iris lens control
-
Event channel
-
Image chunk data
-
IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
-
RS232
-
Storable user sets
-
StreamBytesPerSecond (bandwidth control)
-
Stream hold
-
Sync out modes: Trigger ready, input, exposing, readout, imaging, strobe, GPO
-
Tap mode switchable in Vimba Viewer 2.0 or later (four-tap, one-tap)
-
Temperature monitoring (main board and sensor board)
-
Trigger over Ethernet (ToE) Action Commands

Safran DSI
Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI) is a leading provider of cutting-edge solutions designed to address the evolving challenges of national defense and advanced space missions. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Safran DSI operates through specialized business units in Optronics, Space Solutions, Testing & Telemetry, Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Safran DSI leverages its parent company's innovative technologies and global resources to deliver unparalleled solutions across air, land, sea, and space domains.
Testing & Telemetry BU provides complete end-to-end solutions from instrumentation, mission systems, on board recording and transmitting to base station for monitoring and controlling data. Our complete solutions are platform agnostic and are adaptable to the customer mission needs. Our instrumentation and telemetry turnkey solutions for mobile and stationary systems. This includes, but not limited to, data acquisition units (DAUs), on board recording, ground receiving, recording, and processing applications for fixed and rotary wing, manned and unmanned systems, eVTOL aircraft, as well as missile systems and space rockets/launchers. We offer comprehensive data management solutions for operational aircraft allowing for ISR, Search & Rescue, mission data loading & data transfer and pilot training & debriefing.
Contact Details
Safran Defense & Space, Inc.
3005 Business Park Drive, Norcross, GA 30071, USA
Phone: 770-753-4017
Test & Measurement
