LINCS Satellites Arrive At Cape Canaveral for SpaceX Launch

A pair of Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System (LINCS) satellites developed by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) have arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to prepare for launch.

Using LINCS, GA-EMS, in partnership with the Space Development Agency (SDA), will conduct a series of experiments demonstrating optical communication in and from space. The LINCS satellites will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

“The arrival of GA-EMS’ LINCS system at Cape Canaveral marks the start of final preparations and integration on board the Falcon 9, bringing us one step closer to demonstrating the next evolution of space-based optical communication,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “It is an honor to support SDA on their first launch and to demonstrate this critical technology that will enable the future national security space architecture.”

The LINCS system is comprised of two 12U cubesats each hosting a C-band dual-wavelength full duplex Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) and an Infrared (IR) payload, with all elements internally designed and built by GA-EMS at their facilities in San Diego, CA and Huntsville, AL. In partnership with SDA, this is one of the first Department of Defense contracted efforts to develop and deploy a state-of-the-art 1550nm OCT to test capabilities to increase the speed, distance, and variability of communication in space.

Among the experiments to be conducted is a demonstration of communications with a GA-EMS OCT integrated on an airborne GA-ASI MQ-9 unmanned aircraft. The spacecraft will operate in low earth orbit and will communicate with the MQ-9 flying at approximately 25,000 feet.

“The launch of our two cubesats, supporting the LINCS mission, demonstrates GA-EMS’ ability to provide a complete tailored solution of both satellites and payloads integrated into an affordable design that provides customers significant launch versatility and cost effective solutions to their missions,” said Nick Bucci, vice president of Missile Defense and Space Systems at GA-EMS.

(Image provided with GA-EMS news release)