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On June 2nd, defense contractor General Atomics announced that it will send two satellites built for the Space Development Agency into low Earth orbit to demonstrate in and from space optical communication using an MQ-9 Reaper drone.
SDA contracts GA-EMS to demonstrate space-to-air optical communication 03 Jun 2021 (Last Updated June 3rd, 2021 16:40)
During the experiment, the LEO-based spacecraft will try to establish communication with an airborne MQ-9 UAV.
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LINCS spacecraft is being prepared for its delivery to Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral. Credit: General Atomics.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has received a contract to demonstrate space-to-air optical communication using its Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System (LINCS) and a MQ-9 Reaper.
The contract to conduct space-to-air optical communication experiment was awarded by the US Space Development Agency (SDA).
SDA is the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) constructive disruptor for space acquisition.
GA-EMS completes IDR for USSF’s EO/IR EWS satellite programme 30 Apr 2021 (Last Updated April 30th, 2021 15:17)
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has achieved a major milestone in the US Space Force (USSF) Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System (EWS) satellite programme by completing the initial design review (IDR) of the programme’s space vehicle and ground segment.
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USSF Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System (EWS) satellite programme marks critical milestone. Credit: General Atomics.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has achieved a major milestone in the US Space Force (USSF) Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) Weather System (EWS) satellite programme by completing the initial design review (IDR) of the programme’s space vehicle and ground segment.
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Theresa Hitchens on March 08, 2021 at 4:51 PM
Laser interlinks for satellites, JAXA image
WASHINGTON: As DoD eyes low-cost satellite constellations to provide resilient communications, a crucial bottleneck has emerged: reliable optical data links both between satellites in space and from space to the ground.
“Think about it, getting a laser beam on a spacecraft to point to a laser receiver on another spacecraft accurately enough with the right power levels, the right waveforms etc.,– it’s not an easy thing,” Nick Bucci, vice president of program development at General Atomics said in an interview. ” And to be able to do that reliably at range is a difficult challenge.”