Space-Compliant Hybrid Integrated Microwave Photonic Systems: Progress and Open Issues

An overview of the advancements and unresolved challenges of hybrid integrated microwave photonic (MWP) systems in space environment is presented. MWP systems, which leverage the advantages of both photonic and microwave technologies, have shown significant potential for space applications due to their high bandwidth, low size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP). We review recent progress in the development of these systems, focusing on their integration platforms, performance and testing in space environments. Additionally, we perform a gap analysis and identify key open issues that need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of these systems in space applications.