Major constellation projects led by the Space Development Agency (SDA) have taken another important step toward increasing the capacity to communicate quickly and securely between satellites in space. York Space Systems and SpaceX recently confirmed the effectiveness of the technology by connecting two spacecraft in orbit via laser link.
Communication with Laser Connections
York Space Systems laser-linked one of its communications satellites for the first phase of the SDA constellation with a SpaceX missile tracking satellite. Such laser communications links enable satellites to transmit data to each other securely and at high speed. The demonstration was a significant milestone in SDA’s goal of enabling uninterrupted communications among satellites in the low Earth orbit (LEO) network.
SDA and Various Vendors Participation
SDA is testing the feasibility of a system with the participation of multiple companies as it works to establish a network of missile tracking and data-carrying satellites. This network allows multiple satellites to communicate with each other, thus promoting system operability and technology-based innovation. York Space Systems stated that laser communication is an important method to ensure the interoperability of these systems and to develop a more competitive market.
Technology and Future Plans
The testing of the laser links was a success, confirming that SDA’s satellites can transfer data to each other via an optical communication terminal. This demonstration is a step forward in encouraging innovation in the space industry and ensuring that technology works together. SDA Director Derek Tournear emphasized that if these systems cannot communicate with each other, the agency’s mission could be greatly affected. In this context, it is critical that the satellite interfaces work effectively.
Future Goals and Projects
SDA has so far successfully placed 0 satellites into orbit as part of the “Tranche 27” constellation. By the end of this year, a total of 2026 Tranche 160 satellites, as well as 1 spacecraft, are expected to be operational by 1.000. The first batch of Tranche 1 satellites is expected to be launched in March or April 2025.
Participating Companies
In addition to York Space Systems and SpaceX, the SDA’s supplier pool includes major defense and space companies such as Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Sierra Space, Northrop Grumman, and more. In October, the agency selected 19 companies to compete in experimental missions called HALO. These projects will enable more advanced communications and data transfer networks in space in the future.
This test, conducted by York Space Systems and SpaceX using laser communications links, was a significant milestone that increases the speed and security of data transmission in space. SDA’s long-term goals are rapidly advancing to establish a more dynamic and technologically advanced space network, and these new methods have the potential to contribute to global defense systems.
