US Space Agency (SDA) reported successful tests of two-way optical (laser) connection between plane and satellite. Demonstration took place in July with the participation of the Optical Terminal from General Atomics Electromagnetics, installed on a plane, and a commercial satellite of Kepler Communications at an altitude of approx 500 km. This was the first case for SDA, when it was possible to ensure the transfer of data from the air to the orbit.
Communication via laser terminals is a key element of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (Pwsa). Unlike traditional radio frequency channels, the technology provides a much higher speed and volume of data transfer. During the experiment, the compatibility of terminals from different manufacturers was confirmed, which is important for the integration of commercial companies into the SDA network.
The agency is deploying a network of hundreds of satellites to transmit data and track missiles. Launches take place gradually, parties ("trenches"), which will be updated approximately every two years. The first satellites (Tranche 0) were launched in April 2023 year, and the launch of Tranche 1 scheduled for September 2025 year.
Successful testing was an important response to criticism, expressed by the government audit department (GAO), which previously doubted the SDA's ability to prove the viability of laser communications in orbit. The agency now reports significant progress and regular experiments with satellite-to-air communications, "satellite-earth" and "satellite-satellite".
In the future, SDA plans to demonstrate similar connections already with its own Tranche satellites 0 (in orbit close to 1,000 km), and also expand cooperation with commercial partners, whose decisions meet agency standards.
Source: https://www.defensenews.com