The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has raised significant concerns over the Pentagon’s ongoing efforts to enable satellite communications through laser links.
In a report published Wednesday, the government watchdog highlighted the lack of a proven demonstration to validate the concept before further investment is made.
“For example, although it has not yet achieved its requirements established for Tranche 0 (demonstration tranche), the Space Development Agency has now awarded contracts worth almost $10 billion for Tranche 1 and Tranche 2,” the GAO noted.
The report underscored the importance of testing necessary capabilities in each iteration or tranche, as per established best practices for complex technologies.
“The SDA is proceeding through tranches and increasing the complexity of its development based on designs that have not yet met initial capabilities,” the GAO added.
Challenges With Laser Communications
Laser links are expected to enhance satellite communications by enabling faster data transmission at higher rates. The narrow beams also allow for more secure communication between users.
But unlike traditional radio-frequency satellite communications, using laser links comes with unique challenges, including stabilizing the beam to minimize signal disruption, ensuring accurate pointing to allow satellite terminals to “speak” to each other, and reducing the effects of atmospheric disturbances.
This has led the SDA to work with multiple vendors, a move that could further complicate the program.
“The number of vendors involved adds further complexity to the overall effort,” the GAO said. “Among other things, the Space Force will need to ensure that different vendors’ satellite optical communications terminals — devices used to establish laser data transmission links — are able to communicate with each other.”
The GAO recommends ensuring that investments align with development progress by demonstrating a minimum viable product for laser communications in space.
