Science & Tech · Space · 5 hrs ago
BAE Systems to develop compact radios for US military satellites
BAE Systems will develop compact radio terminals for a US Space Force initiative to improve communications between military spacecraft.
The planned network, called a space-based data layer, is designed to move information between military assets in orbit.
The terminals will use programmable radio technology adapted from BAE Systems’ existing space hardware and must work in different orbits, from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous Earth orbit.
They must withstand jamming, interference and space radiation, while meeting military security requirements.
Smaller equipment could fit spacecraft with limited room, and reliable links matter because repairs in orbit can be difficult or impossible.
BAE Systems will test and demonstrate the terminals with government partners before any move toward broader production.
BAE Systems will develop and demonstrate compact radio-frequency terminals for a U.S. Space Force initiative to improve communications across space-based networks.
The Space Systems Command awarded the contract.
The terminals are intended to move information between military assets in orbit and operate from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous Earth orbit.
They must withstand jamming, electromagnetic interference and space radiation while meeting military security requirements.
BAE Systems will adapt its existing space-qualified software-defined radio technology and test the terminals for orbital use.
- Who
- BAE Systems and the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
- What
- BAE Systems will develop and demonstrate compact radio-frequency terminals for space-based military communications.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- In space, across low Earth orbit and geosynchronous Earth orbit.
- Why
- To improve resilient communications between military assets operating in orbit.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
BAE Systems plans to adapt its existing space-qualified software-defined radio technology for the terminals.
BAE Systems will conduct space-characterization testing and work with government partners to demonstrate the technology.
- Contracting agency
- Space Systems Command
- Company
- BAE Systems
- Technology
- Compact radio-frequency terminals using software-defined radio technology
- Orbital environments
- Low Earth orbit to geosynchronous Earth orbit
- Testing
- Space-characterization testing is planned