Space Development Agency funds demonstration of satellite laser links in ‘degraded’ environments

Published on September 30, 2023

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded a $14.2 million contract to General Atomics for producing two optical communications terminals hosted on small satellites to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite laser communications under adverse conditions. These terminals, called Manhattan, are designed to provide communications in degraded environments and establish a link meeting SDA standards. The goal is to create a mesh network of interconnected satellites using laser communication for efficient data transfer in space. General Atomics will deliver the integrated spacecraft for the demonstration by December 2024.

Link to the full article: https://spacenews.com/space-development-agency-funds-demonstration-of-satellite-laser-links-in-degraded-environments/

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