SDA-interoperable transPortable Laser Ground Terminals

SpaceRake proposes the development of an SDA OCT v4.0 interoperable transPortable Laser Ground Terminal (PLGT). This work leverages ongoing SDA-funded modem development and mature commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) subsystems. The experience gained by key team members in execution of the MIT/NASA CLICK-A mission will further inform PLGT development. This 18-month program will result in the delivery of an SDA-interoperable PLGT demonstrator to the SDA that will enable secure, high-bandwidth communication with the SDA’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) transport layer anywhere on Earth, even in RF contested environments. This program includes a milestone-driven development process and payment plan, which includes a series of reviews and updates, ending with hardware delivery, ensuring technical and programmatic execution. Key technical elements include integrating existing electronics, firmware, and software functionality into COTS platform assemblies, and only undertaking new design activities when necessary. The PLGT demonstrator will be developed with a focus on speed, modularity, and scalability, allowing for future design iterations to adapt to emerging customer needs while improving on size, weight, power, and cost.