The US space force plans to use K2 Space satellites to solve the problem of instantaneous exchange of large sets of data between orbit and ground points. Company
was selected to participate in the Pentagon's "OPIR Space Systems Modernization Initiative". (SMI). It is noted in the budget documents of the Pentagon, that the timing of the implementation of the key investment for the SMI demonstrations has shifted to 2027 fiscal year to complete preparation and launch of K2 Space vehicles into medium Earth orbit (MEO). Optical intersatellite communication lines and laser technologies will play a key role, designed for data transmission between devices in low Earth orbit (LEO) and mine, as well as to ground stations.
For reference: SMI is a research and development program, aimed at promoting technologies, which may eventually form the basis of operational missile detection systems.
OPIR (Overhead Persistent Infrared — remote permanent infrared observation) are satellites, which detect missile launches, tracking heat signatures from space.
The effectiveness of missile attack warning systems is based on the instantaneous transmission of information from sensors to command centers and interceptors. However, the current infrastructure is not adapted to work with large-scale, extensive satellite networks. New developments will become the basis of the architecture of the Golden Dome missile defense system — a global network of space sensors and interceptors, which will provide continuous monitoring of threats and exchange of data on targets in near real time.
Although optical intersatellite links are already in use at LEO, in particular SpaceX, extending the technology to MEO creates new challenges: distances are greater and the radiation environment is different. Also, the issue of space-to-space data transmission in medium orbit remains unresolved.
Testing intersatellite communication lines will be one of several missions, which K2 plans to carry out during the development of the fleet of satellites. The company's first spacecraft, Gravitas, was launched 30 March. A satellite weighing about two tons with a power system of power 20 kilowatt is designed to demonstrate the "Mega" class platform for high-power, large-aperture payloads. He carried 12 of undisclosed payloads and electric motor power 20 kW, intended for lifting the device from LEO to MEO. It is planned to launch more next year 10 such devices, which will transport the payloads of state and commercial customers, as well as internal research projects.
The K2 strategy seeks to acquire flight experience, positioning itself for military contracts and preparing to build a commercial arm for satellite operator SES.
Source: https://spacenews.com