General Atomics to Showcase Optical Communication Terminals in Space with SDA Contract

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 30 January 2024 20:55

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Write a comment

San Diego CA (SPX) Jan 30, 2024

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been awarded a pivotal contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract mandates GA-EMS to demonstrate the capabilities of its Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), which are to be hosted on their GA-75 spacecraft, a 75-kilogram class satellite, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, expressed enthusi

General Atomics to Showcase Optical Communication Terminals in Space with SDA Contract
by Clarence Oxford
San Diego CA (SPX) Jan 30, 2024

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been awarded a pivotal contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract mandates GA-EMS to demonstrate the capabilities of its Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), which are to be hosted on their GA-75 spacecraft, a 75-kilogram class satellite, in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with SDA. "We're excited to continue working with SDA and look forward to demonstrating our OCT capability developed, built, and tested by GA-EMS, and integrated on GA-EMS-designed and built spacecraft," he said. Forney emphasized the significance of this contract in deploying next-generation optical communication technologies, which are expected to offer faster, more secure, and higher fidelity transmissions, along with enhanced resiliency ensuring continuous connectivity from Earth to space.

The field of optical communications in space, a specialization of GA-EMS, represents a leap forward from traditional communication methods. OCTs, which utilize laser technology for data transmission, are known for their ability to provide high-speed, secure communications. They are particularly advantageous in space environments, offering higher data rates and being less susceptible to interference compared to conventional radio frequency systems.

Under this contract, GA-EMS is tasked with designing and building two OCTs. These OCTs are expected to demonstrate robust space-to-space communication capabilities, even in degraded environments, and establish and maintain links that comply with SDA's stringent standards and requirements. The primary function of these OCTs is to support a broad network of satellites, facilitating data and information sharing as well as collective on-orbit computing resources to cater to customer and mission needs.

The GA-75 spacecraft, on which these OCTs will be integrated, is described as a resilient, modular, and configurable platform. It falls under the half-ESPA bus design category, suitable for a variety of communications and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) payloads and missions.

The versatility of the GA-75 is further highlighted by its compatibility with multiple launch vehicles and its ability to adapt to various mission payloads. This is facilitated by its use of standard payload interfaces, which enable seamless integration and mission-ready delivery times. Additionally, its design allows for efficient packaging - accommodating two spacecraft per ESPA port or filling a single ESPA port depending on the payload size.

This contract underscores the ongoing evolution in space technology and communications. Optical communication systems like the OCTs being developed by GA-EMS are set to revolutionize data transmission in space, offering significant advantages over current methods. As these technologies mature and are demonstrated successfully, they are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of satellite networks, contributing significantly to various fields, including defense, research, and global communications.