On January 16, Mynaric announced that it has been selected as a key development partner of Phase 2 of the Space-based adaptive communications node (Space-BACN) program of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA’s Space-BACN program envisions a low-cost, scalable optical communications terminal that could be reconfigured to work with various optical intersatellite link standards allowing seamless communication among government and commercial LEO satellite constellations. The announcement follows Mynaric’s previous participation in Phase 0 in December 2021 and Phase 1 in August 2022 of the program.
“We are honored to contribute to DARPA’s revolutionary approach to space-based communications which will enhance our national security,” said Tim Deaver, vice president of US government sales and strategic solutions, Mynaric. “We are at the tipping point of unleashing the full utility of these networks using free space optical communications technology to create seamless integration and interoperability between both government and commercial satellite constellations.”
The 20-month Phase 2 of the Space-BACN program aims to build a scalable, reconfigurable optical communications terminal. The 14-month Phase 1 focused on creating a benchtop model of a next-generation optical communications terminal following the 15-week Phase 0, which was focused on developing the architectural design of the terminal.
“Our engineering team designs new products with manufacturability in mind which aligns with the core goal of the Space-BACN program,” said Joachim Horwath, Mynaric’s chief technology officer. “Our team is ready to build on the progress of the initial phases to develop an optical terminal that is scalable and interoperable without compromising its performance.”
Source: Mynaric
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