PathFinder Digital Awarded NASA Contract for Free Space Optics Study

NASA has awarded PathFinder Digital a contract to conduct a study to assess whether it is feasible to build a transportable research and test system to support the construction of Free Space Optic satellite networks. 

The satellite communications systems maker said Thursday it will examine the development of Optical Ground Stations and how the platforms work with Optical Space Terminals through the feasibility study.

PathFinder will also study atmospheric mitigation techniques for FSO development, including cognitive networking, site diversity and hybrid lasercom networks. 

"Laser communications is likely to be a disruptive technology in the field of satellite communications, especially regarding its use as a backbone for space to ground communications with [geostationary, medium and low Earth orbit] networks,” said PathFinder CEO Roger McGarrahan.

He added the company will leverage its expertise in laser or optical communications to support NASA and other U.S. agencies.