On January 9, York Space Systems announced that it has successfully completed the first low Earth orbit (LEO) inter-vendor laser communication link for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This groundbreaking achievement connected a Tranche 0 Transport satellite built by York with a Tranche 0 Tracking satellite built by SpaceX, representing a significant milestone in space-based communication.
This demonstration realizes another important step in Space Development Agency’s (SDA) achieving its vision of an extensible and proliferated constellation built by multiple vendors to a common interface standard. Successfully closing this laser communication link between vendors and across two network layers and orbital inclinations validates SDA’s decision to adopt a standardized Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) protocol to enhance interoperability. By enabling seamless communication across platforms, this approach ensures interoperability, enhances a competitive marketplace and fosters innovation across the entire space industry.
“This breakthrough reflects York’s leadership in advancing interoperable technologies that ensure resilience and innovation in space networks,” said Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York. “Achieving the first inter-vendor, inter-layer laser link demonstrates the tangible value of open standards and collaborative efforts in rapidly achieving an integrated space architecture. We are proud to support SDA’s vision for an interconnected space architecture for the warfighters”
Laser communication links, which enable high-speed, secure data transmission, are an enabling capability for next-generation satellite networks. By successfully demonstrating the first LEO-to-LEO laser communication link between satellites from different vendors, York and SDA have taken a significant step toward realizing the vision of a unified, multi-vendor satellite communications network.
Source: York Space Systems
Start 2025 ahead of the competition with a paid subscription to IC News. You’ll get full access to our searchable archive of 13,000+ articles, plus new articles each weekday.
By 
