Improving our knowledge of the atmospheric water cycle requires vertical measurements resolved in time space of the two main water vapor stable isotopes relative abundance in the lower and mid-troposphere. We aim at meeting this challenge with a high sensitivity differential absorption LIDAR instrumentation, which will allow to fill the undeniable lack of observable data, in order to increase the accuracy of climate models. For this purpose the SWALIDE project proposes to combine state-of-the-art infrared detection technologies based on HgCdTe avalanche photodiodes with the first differential absorption lidar system WAVIL dedicated to the measurement of water vapor isotopic abundance. The first objective is to bring the lidar to an enhanced level of sensitivity for atmospheric science and future observation networks applications. For this, a specific avalanche photodiode with an original monolithic architecture will be developed to provide a breakthrough in terms of sensitivity and operability. To support this objective, the whole instrumentation will be tested and validated by inter-comparisons with other sensors such as industrial spectrometers designed for in situ measurements. The second objective is in line with future space lidar missions, which will extend the observations of water vapor and isotopic abundance to the global scale in order to build an unprecedented climatology of convergence and divergence zones of humidity in the atmosphere. For this purpose, the avalanche photodiode, its amplification and formatting electronics will be designed and built in collaboration with Airbus DS. This will prepare the spin-out of research to industry for future lidar missions that may be proposed by France to the European Space Agency with the support of CNES.

C3PO: advanced Concept for laser uplink/ downlink CommuniCation with sPace Objects represents a radical improvement in performance of existing ground to low earth orbit communication systems in terms of weight reduction, on-board power consumption, data rate and communication security & confidentiality. C3PO in figures: - Mass reduction by a factor 14 - On-board power consumption reduction by a factor 100 - Data rate increase by a factor 2 The project's objectives are to - Design a solution to improve actual downlink and uplink communication systems based on a non-space disruptive technology - Improve enabling Space Surveillance & Tracking technologies performances to meet the final system needs - Increase the Multiple Quantum Well Technology Readiness Level from 2 to 4 - Improve the overall perfromance of space communication systems - Identify the C3PO system market and Business Model - Increase the system safety (including regulation and governance issues) This is achieved through an operational analysis of the final system, the validation of major system parameters through 2 experiments, the consolidation of the system architecturen the elaboration of the associated development roadmap and the definition of the system Business Model. The Multiple Quantum Well retro-reflector technology, derived from non-space domain, is incorporated into the current state of the art as a high-rate lightweight communication device. Its development in the space sector has a disruptive impact on the satellites and satellite imagery markets, enabling new missions such as CubeSat earth observations. The proposed project serve the Union's Common Security & Defence Policy by increasing the satellite communications security. C3PO mobilises traditional space actors and non-space actors such as TEMATYS (SME) and ACREO (Research).