ATLAS Space Operations, Inc. of Traverse City, MI announced on April 17 an agreement to develop its LINKS platform with the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The competitively awarded rapid prototyping program will run for 12 months, and will deliver a complete satellite communications platform tailored to the Air Force’s Multi-Band Multi-Mission requirements, as outlined by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Range and Network Systems Division.
The resulting platform will provide several key advantages that have
proven challenging for traditional antenna equipment, including the ability to
communicate with multiple satellites simultaneously, tracking of resident space
objects (RSOs), and providing enhanced telemetry data to ascending launch
vehicles. The man-portable LINKS platform will increase capacity, flexibility,
interoperability, automation and resiliency of space operations and space lift.
Upon completion of the program, ATLAS will hold demonstrations to
highlight LINKS’ innovative features, cutting edge design, and multi-mission
capabilities to the DIU. The demonstrations will be held at Schriever Air Force
Base in Colorado Springs.
“Working directly with the Air Force will ensure LINKS’ capabilities precisely meet their requirements,” ATLAS CEO Sean McDaniel said. “This development process and adherence to the Air Force’s high standards will ultimately lead to a product that will easily meet or exceed the requirements of the commercial sector down the road.”
Source: ATLAS
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