Long-Haul Laser Communications Terminal Contract Awarded
AeroVironment Receives Major Order from an Undisclosed Customer
A nearly $240 million order for long-haul laser communications terminals has been placed by an undisclosed customer with AeroVironment. The customer plans to deploy the systems on orbit.
“Since validating the technology earlier this year, we’ve been internally investing in our manufacturing and scaling production."
Mary Clum, AeroVironment
AV’s long-haul laser communications terminals have demonstrated multi-orbit, space-to-space satellite crosslink capabilities while operating in the complex challenges of space environments, including jitter, extreme temperatures, and the absence of atmosphere. The systems offer new capabilities for transferring high-bandwidth data in space–enabling the secure exchange of more data at a faster rate across further distances, including LEO, MEO, GEO orbits, and beyond.
“This contract moves our superior, next-generation long-haul laser communication terminals from the lab to orbit–a significant milestone not only for our team and this technology but for commercial space industry capabilities,” said Mary Clum, EVP of AV’s Space and Directed Energy Group. “Since validating the technology earlier this year, we’ve been internally investing in our manufacturing and scaling production to meet the demand signals we’re hearing from our customers. We’re ready to deliver and ready to show what these terminals can do in orbit.”
In March, AV completed a successful two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system demonstration and announced its manufacturing readiness for orbit. The achievement marks a significant breakthrough in the development of space-based laser communication technology with far-reaching implications for commercial sectors.
AV's laser communication terminals are suitable for satellite bus providers, offering a longer range, greater accuracy, and higher reliability for free-space optical communications. The capability builds upon and advances systems previously developed and deployed by AV, many of which remain in orbit today.