SpaceLink, a space communication technology company, entered an Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center (USASMDC-TC) to explore space communications pathways to ensure resiliency and reduce sensor-to-shooter latency.
SpaceLink relay satellites on orbit showing optical and RF links. Courtesy of SpaceLink.
The collaboration entails R&D related to interoperability between government systems and the SpaceLink network, leading to potential adjustments in SpaceLink’s technology roadmap.
The agreement will provide the Army with the empirical modeling and simulations needed to support interagency requirements development for commercial remote sensing tactical downlink timeline requirements.
“Sharing facilities, intellectual property, and expertise will elevate solutions for both the warfighter and industry, ultimately enhancing national security and U.S. dominance in space,” said Dave Bettinger, CEO of SpaceLink.
SpaceLink is building a satellite relay system in medium Earth orbit (MEO) with both optical and RF links to speed the flow of remote sensing data and augment the U.S. national security space architecture. Because of its location in MEO and its optical and RF communications relay capabilities, the SpaceLink network has continuous line of sight to low Earth orbit, MEO, and geostationary orbit satellites and high-altitude airborne assets.