SDA seeking information on optical communications waveform

The Space Development Agency is asking industry to provide feedback on optical communications waveforms for future Tranche satellites, according to a notice posted today.

According to the notice, the agency is looking for “risk-reduction efforts to support low data rate links and long-range links,” including “space-to-space geometries” of low Earth orbit to medium Earth orbit and LEO to geosynchronous Earth orbit ranges.

“Responses to this [request for information] will specifically inform SDA’s Transport Layer Tranche 3 planning beginning in fiscal year 2024 for subsequent acquisition efforts slated to begin in FY 2025,” the agency noted.

SDA in the RFI has posed questions on “direct-detect waveform extension” for industry, which it expects to receive by Dec. 8.