General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications US have tested two-way optical communications between an aircraft and a satellite in space.
During the test, GA-EMS’ Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) on an aircraft established a link with a US Space Development Agency Tranche 0-compatible Kepler satellite in low Earth orbit.
The demonstration showed that the system can transmit and receive large amounts of data, maintaining reliable communication between airborne and space assets.
For the test, the OCT was installed on a 12-inch Laser Airborne Communication turret.
Once in place, it completed pointing, acquisition, tracking, and locking on the satellite.
It then transmitted data to the satellite, a process known as “uplink,” and received data back from the satellite, in what is called the “downlink.”
“By pairing Kepler’s on-orbit optical capabilities with GA-EMS’ OCT, we’ve shown what’s possible when space and aviation systems work seamlessly together,” said Robert Conrad, president of Kepler US.
Conrad highlighted the role of commercial space operators in providing secure, high-data-rate connectivity for both defense and commercial use, noting that the recent initiative builds on earlier tests of two-way space-to-ground communications with Kepler’s satellites.
Optical Communication Terminal
GA-EMS’ OCT can transmit up to 5 gigabytes per second over distances of up to 5,000 kilometers (3,107 miles).
The OCT uses a smaller lens than traditional radio systems, which makes the device lighter and keeps the signal tightly concentrated, reducing signal dispersion over long distances.
By operating at a higher frequency, the system can transmit more data at once, increasing overall capacity.
The system sends signals in a narrow, focused beam, which reduces interference with other communications and makes the signal harder to detect or intercept.
