SpaceLink, a wholly owned US subsidiary of Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Holdings, is partnering with the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center for a research and development initiative.
The project seeks to explore alternative space communications pathways that would ensure resiliency and reduce sensor-to-shooter latency, according to a press release SpaceLink issued.
SpaceLink is currently constructing 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.
The company delivers secure, continuous, high-bandwidth communications between spacecraft and U.S. Earth Stations or tactically deployed ground terminals.
The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement will facilitate simulations that will enable interoperability between government systems and the SpaceLink network.
“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, chief executive of SpaceLink.
The agreement will also help the EOS subsidiary to better understand the US Army’s concept of operations and tailor its technology roadmap to meet customer needs. For the military service, the company intends to deliver empirical modelling and simulations required for commercial remote sensing tactical downlink timeline requirements.
With its location in MEO and optical/RF communications relay capabilities, the SpaceLink network is equipped with a continuous line of sight to LEMO, MEO, and geostationary satellites and high-altitude airborne assets.
The network is also connected to dedicated Gateway Earth Stations and is designed to support real-time tasking and downlink of data needed to inform the decision-making of military operators.
