BlueHalo Enhances Long-Haul Laser Communication Ability

In a significant breakthrough, BlueHalo has successfully demonstrated its two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system intended for national security and commercial markets. BlueHalo is developing laser communication technology for space mission communications, which provides higher speed and security, along with lower mass and power consumption compared to standard methodologies. For instance, its payloads, focused on geosynchronous orbit, offer 10 to 100 times the increased bandwidth over RF while eliminating jitter to ensure line-of-sight stabilisation for resilient space-based communications.

During the milestone demonstration, two laser communication optical terminals completed pointing, acquisition, and tracking sequences at transmit power levels supporting multi-orbit, space-to-space satellite crosslinks amid simulated challenges encountered in space environments, including jitter, extreme temperatures, and a lack of atmosphere. The demonstration’s success highlights new capabilities for transferring high bandwidth data in space — enabling the secure exchange of more data faster across further distances, including LEO, MEO, GEO orbits and beyond.

With the successful prototype demonstration in an operational environment, BlueHalo has matured its optical communication terminals to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. “With the technology validated, BlueHalo is ready to begin quickly producing these advanced optical terminals for deployment on satellites across all echelons of space. There’s an urgent need to enhance our nation’s security posture — in space and on the ground — and support the rapidly accelerating demand for rapid transport of high-bandwidth, mission-critical data,” said Mary Clum, President of the Product & Space Systems Portfolio.

Orders of magnitude greater than existing technology in orbit today, BlueHalo’s laser communication terminals are suitable for both national security operations and commercial 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 BlueHalo, many of which remain in orbit today.

Image courtesy of BlueHalo: Successful demonstration of long-haul laser communications capabilities, marking a development milestone.