Pentagon contemplating eventual sunsetting of Link 16 as enthusiasm grows for optical communications
Optical comms networks offer some advantages over RF networks, experts say.
Advertisement
Showing 10 of 58 results
-
(Getty Images) Space -
(Getty Images) Space Space Development Agency pauses plans to provide PNT capabilities
SDA was looking to build out PNT capabilities in the Tranche 3 transport layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, which the Department of the Air Force is considering canceling.
-
Image from SpaceX livestream of the Tranche 1 transport launch (Credit: SpaceX) Space SDA kicks off launch campaign for first operational data transport sats
“This is the first time we’ll be able to start working with our [combatant commanders] and our joint force to start integrating space into their operations and getting warfighters used to using space from this construct,” Acting SDA Director Gurpartap Sandhoo told reporters.
-
Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear is interviewed by DefenseScoop Managing Editor Jon Harper at DefenseTalks, Sept. 15, 2022. Space Derek Tournear departs as Space Development Agency director
After more than six years at SDA’s helm, Tournear is departing to pursue a “new opportunity,” according to the agency.
-
U.S. Space Force’s National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program launched the USSF-36 mission carrying the U.S. Air Force X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) spacecraft, at 11:50 p.m. EST (8:50 p.m. PST) into orbit Aug. 21 from historic Launch Complex (LC)-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. (Photo credit: SpaceX) Emerging Tech Pentagon launches secretive X-37B space plane for new mission
During the on-orbit mission, dubbed OTV-8, the Boeing-made spacecraft will conduct a wide range of tests and experiments focused on laser communication tech and quantum inertial sensors, according to the Space Force.
-
York Spacecraft undergoing vibration environmental testing at York Facility. (Photo credit: York Space Systems) Space Space Development Agency accelerates launch of first experimental tactical SATCOM satellite
Developed under SDA’s Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) program, the platform will test tactical satellite communication capabilities on orbit.
-
Rendering of the Resilient Missile Warning Tracking (MWT) architecture in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). (Illustration courtesy of BAE Systems) Space Space Force taps BAE Systems for next phase of MEO missile-warning satellite program
The $1.2 billion contract is for Epoch 2 of the Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning and Missile Tracking program.
-
Troy Meink appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to be secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., March 27, 2025. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom) Emerging Tech Trump’s Air Force secretary nominee pledges ‘holistic look’ at service modernization efforts
Troy Meink also told lawmakers that the Department of the Air Force must move faster on innovating new technologies.
-
Northrop Grumman’s first completed satellite for SDA’s Tranche 1 tracking layer. (Credit: Northrop Grumman) Space Supply chain woes further delay launch of SDA’s first operational satellites
The agency now expects to launch the first satellites in Tranche 1 of the PWSA later this summer.
-
(Getty Images) Space GAO: Space Development Agency has not matured important laser link technology
On-orbit laser communications are a critical enabling technology for the Space Development Agency’s planned mega-constellation known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.