BlackSky's Secure Laser Inter-Satellite Communication Evolution (SLICE)

To meet USSF national defense-related mission needs for near real-time requirements for space-borne ISR Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation & Dissemination (TCPED) for Earth-imaging systems, BlackSky proposes to adapt its Gen-3 commercial satellites to include an Optical Intersatellite Links (OISL) terminals to enable real-time downlink of time-sensitive imagery and on-board processed geospatial intelligence. The intent of this proposed effort is to leverage commercial remote sensing with the capability to deliver time-sensitive images via the SDA and emerging commercial transport layers to expeditionary forces and/or any other command centers worldwide within minutes of collection.  The use of OISL terminals on LEO satellites will support tactical ISR in a communications-denied environments and directly supports Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) by supporting timely sensor-shooter activities to enhance lethality and survivability of US operations. This approach provides increased resilience and capability to national space assets while leveraging significant commercial investments. To enable rapid decisions in time-critical situations, BlackSky proposes a capability to increase the availability and reduce the latency of its high-resolution commercial space imagery in support of warfighting operations. To implement such a transformational capability, BlackSky has primarily self-funded studies under its space-borne Optical Intersatellite Links (OISL) capability initiative. The studies conclusively indicate: (1) the use of an optical intersatellite network is feasible, (2) the Space Development Agency (SDA) Transport Layer can play a central role, and (3) that optical terminals compatible with that network will also be compatible with BlackSky’s Generation-3 satellite bus and operational construct. The focus of this R&D effort will be to demonstrate the compatibility of BlackSky’s commercial satellite bus and imaging systems with in-space optical networks for real-time, high-speed data transport.   The effort will establish the ability to interface and operate with optical intersatellite links (OISLs), specifically with OISLs conforming to the SDA Optical Communications Terminal Standard. It will also develop a concept of operations for establishing links with and moving data to and from the SDA Transport Layer network and similar commercial mesh networks. The development will combine analysis at the system and component level, design trades for interface compatibility, and hardware and software in the loop ground tests to confirm bus-terminal compatibility, and the ability to task and downlink data. These tests will use a combination of satellite avionics and OISL hardware (or software emulators) compatible with the SDA network and will be carried out with direct input from End-Users and transport network operators to confirm the appropriate and necessary elements of compatibility are architected and demonstrated.