Angeline Leishman
Space Micro, a Voyager Space-backed company, has received a Space Development Agency contract to build a laser communications capability for sending data from one satellite to various receivers.
The 24-month development contract calls for an advanced one-to-many optical system that uses managed optical communication array technology to enable point-to-multipoint communications from low-Earth orbit, the space company said Wednesday.
A point-to-multipoint capability could help expand the coverage of optical wireless communications technologies similar to radio frequency systems while retaining lasers’ resistance to interference with various spectrums.
The SDA work will also be supported by BridgeComm, a Denver, Colorado-based optical wireless communications firm Space Micro has been working since September to explore OWC applications and related equipment.
“When we combine Space Micro’s current space-based optical communications products with data rates up to 100 Gbps, MOCA will provide enhanced LEO constellation capability for One-to-Many or Point-to-Multipoint secure communications,” said David Czajkowski, CEO of Space Micro.
