optical communications Archives - SpaceNews

Illustration of TDRS-13, the final sat- ellite in NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) constellation, which has provided crucial connectivity for govern- ment users like the ISS and the U.S. De- partment of Defense for decades. NASA is transitioning to commercial alternatives to meet future data relay needs.

From the Magazine

The Space Relayers: NASA’s latest bet on the private sector is starting to take shape

NASA is just months away from closing off its data relay satellite fleet to new users in preparation for switching over to commercial alternatives.

by Jason Rainbow July 5, 2024July 1, 2024

Kepler demonstrates optical data relay service in LEO

by Jason Rainbow June 11, 2024June 10, 2024

Government contracts spur growth for Relative Dynamics

by Debra Werner February 23, 2024February 24, 2024

SpaceRake wins $1.8 million in SDA funding for optical communications terminals

by Debra Werner November 2, 2023November 2, 2023

Space Development Agency funds demonstration of satellite laser links in ‘degraded’ environments

by Sandra Erwin September 29, 2023October 2, 2023

Mynaric optical terminals selected for Northrop Grumman satellites pass key tests

by Sandra Erwin September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

CACI optical terminals pass initial tests required for Space Development Agency satellites

by Sandra Erwin September 19, 2023September 19, 2023

Tesat-Spacecom artist rendering of optical communications in space.

Commercial, Military, News

Military agency praised for leading the way on laser communications

by Sandra Erwin February 9, 2023February 21, 2023

Aiming for instantaneous Earth-observation data

by Debra Werner January 6, 2023February 2, 2023

News

Laser links are great for satellite relay, but challenges abound for taking it to ground

by Debra Werner December 21, 2022February 1, 2023