Modem compatibility of TESAT’s ConLCT80 successfully demonstrated with U.S. government standard, assuring interoperability within SDA Transport Layer constellation.

Backnang, 31.08.2021: TESAT’s Constellation Laser Communication Terminal (ConLCT80) optical modem was successfully tested at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory connecting with the Space Development Agency (SDA) reference modem over fiber optic, which assures the interoperability of all optical payloads of the different manufacturers. The test was carried out at the optical level, explicitly testing coding and framing according to the SDA standard, data rate, wavelength compatibility, tracking tone, waveform capture and continuous data transfer. Future testing is planned to demonstrate space optical communication between termi-als, as they will operate in space aboard SDA’s Tranche 0 Transport Layer constellation.

TESAT is providing Optical Communication Terminals (OCT) for the 10 Transport Layer space vehicles Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is building for SDA’s Tranche 0 and other customers. This constellation of 28 satellites will demonstrate joint all-domain operations connectivity using a secure, interoperable mesh network that will link terrestrial domains to space.

As the world’s only supplier of already space-proven laser communication terminals, TESAT plays a key role in developing the SDA standard, including topics like Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT), timing and ranging as well as Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ).

Further and in connection to SDA’s Tranche 0 program, TESAT has a long heritage in US governmental projects lasting back to the early 2000’s. The world’s first low earth orbit (LEO) to LEO OISL was established between U.S. NFIRE and German TerraSAR-X in 2008, utilizing TESAT’s LCTs. The development of the ConLCT80 stands in a line with the longstanding experience of meanwhile more than 55,000 performed optical satellite links.

About Tesat
At TESAT in Backnang, around 1,000 employees develop, manufacture and distribute systems and equipment for telecommunications via satellite. The product range spans from smallest space-specific components to modules, entire assemblies or payloads. As the world's only provider and technology leader of in-orbit-verified optical terminals for data transmission via laser (LCTs), TESAT has a focus on commercial and institutional space programs.

Media contact
Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG
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Nina Backes
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