High-speed troop data transmission link established between satellite and aircraft using laser technology.

In a significant development for space communication technology, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications US have successfully tested optical communications between air and space. This test took place in a challenging operational environment, demonstrating the potential of this technology for future applications.

The test involved the Kepler LEO satellite connecting with a GA-EMS laser airborne communication terminal. This connection was facilitated by an optical system terminal provided by GA-EMS, while Kepler Communications US contributed a "Pathfinder" optical satellite for the test.

This successful test marks a milestone for both companies. GA-EMS will now have an Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) system placed on two GA-75 spacecraft, which is expected to launch in 2026. The OCT system is intended to support future LEO airborne-to-space demonstrations for Tranche 1 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

The OCT system is equipped with an anti-jamming communication system, boasting 300 times the data-carrying capacity of conventional RF satcom systems. This feature is designed to help troops avoid interception or detection, making it a valuable asset for military operations.

It's worth noting that GA-EMS missed an opportunity for an experiment with its own satellites in 2021, which were built for the Space Development Agency (SDA). However, the company has since secured a new contract with SDA for a system to be placed on two GA-EMS spacecraft. This new contract is not related to the SDA's Tranche 0 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

Kepler Communications US, on the other hand, received a prime position slot for SDA's Hybrid Acquisition for proliferated Low-earth Orbit (HALO) contract last October. The company also remains a pre-approved candidate for flight demonstration opportunities with SDA's Tranche 2 Demonstration and Experimentation System.

The twin cubesats, called Laser Interconnect and Networking Communications System (LINCS), which GA-EMS missed an opportunity to experiment with in 2021, are not the new satellites mentioned in the new contract. Similarly, the new satellites are not the "Pathfinder" optical satellite provided by Kepler Communications US for the Tranche 0 test.

The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (Tranche 0) conducted a demonstration test in the past, and the results showed that optical communications between air and space work well in challenging operational environments. The twin SDA providers involved in Tranche 1 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture are York Space Systems and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. York Space Systems delivered 21 satellites for the Tranche 1 launch, while General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is developing the transport satellites for this purpose.

This successful test and the subsequent contract are significant steps forward for both GA-EMS and Kepler Communications US, and they could pave the way for more advanced and secure communication systems in the future.

High-speed troop data transmission link established between satellite and aircraft using laser technology.