BlueHalo has successfully demonstrated space-based laser communication technology with far-reaching implications for both defense and commercial applications.
Laser communication features higher speed and security, lower mass, and less power consumption than standard techniques such as radio frequency.
It also delivers far higher bandwidth, eliminating jitter for seamless, reliable communication.
“It’s an urgent need to enhance our nation’s security posture – in space and on the ground – and support the rapidly accelerating demand for rapid transport of high-bandwidth, mission-critical data,” President of the Product & Space Systems Portfolio at BlueHalo Mary Clum said.
Laser Communication Demo
The demonstration saw two laser communication optical terminals pointing, acquiring, and tracking sequences at transmit power levels, the aerospace and defense firm said.
This successful test, conducted in an operational environment, validated the technology at Technology Readiness Level 6.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team, whose dedication to the mission has led to this milestone – developing a space-based laser communication capability that is orders of magnitude greater than existing technology on orbit today,” Clum added.
“With the technology validated, BlueHalo is ready to begin quickly producing these advanced optical terminals for deployment on satellites across all echelons of space.”
