optical communications Archives - SpaceNews

Spire demonstrates optical links between cubesats

by Debra Werner March 3, 2025March 3, 2025

Spire Global established two-way optical communications for the first time between two six-unit cubesats.

Space Development Agency pushes back on GAO’s criticism

by Sandra Erwin February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

Illustration of satellites communicating through optical crosslink generated via DALL-E for SpaceNews

Space data centers will connect us faster and more sustainably than ever before

by Stewart Marsh December 11, 2024December 4, 2024

BlackSky to equip its future satellites with military-compatible laser terminals

by Sandra Erwin September 28, 2024September 28, 2024

Mynaric’s manufacturing woes threaten to delay production of U.S. military satellites

by Sandra Erwin August 22, 2024August 22, 2024

Illustration of TDRS-13, the final sat- ellite in NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) constellation, which has provided crucial connectivity for govern- ment users like the ISS and the U.S. De- partment of Defense for decades. NASA is transitioning to commercial alternatives to meet future data relay needs.

From the Magazine

The Space Relayers: NASA’s latest bet on the private sector is starting to take shape

by Jason Rainbow July 5, 2024July 17, 2024

Kepler demonstrates optical data relay service in LEO

by Jason Rainbow June 11, 2024June 10, 2024

Government contracts spur growth for Relative Dynamics

by Debra Werner February 23, 2024February 24, 2024

SpaceRake wins $1.8 million in SDA funding for optical communications terminals

by Debra Werner November 2, 2023November 2, 2023

Space Development Agency funds demonstration of satellite laser links in ‘degraded’ environments

by Sandra Erwin September 29, 2023October 2, 2023