Tesat-Spacecom cooperates with industry to produce the first interoperable LCT

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH announced today that it will produce and market an interoperable version of its space based Laser Communication Terminal (LCT). The interoperable terminal will be able to communicate in both 1064nm and 1550nm wavelengths.

The new LCT135-INTEROP Terminal is being developed under a strategic alliance with the industry for traditional GEO and LEO spacecrafts as well as Small and Cube Satellite Systems. “The decision to cooperatively develop a multi wavelength LCT with industry partners addresses the market demand for wavelength flexibility and reliability” said Andreas Hammer, CEO at Tesat-Spacecom. “This effort is in line with the Laser Communications Coalition formed between Orbital ATK, Tesat-Spacecom and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to accelerate the advancement and deployment of laser communication in an interoperable, low cost, rapid and resilient manner” continued Hammer.

Tesat-Spacecom has more than 30 years of experience in the field of laser communication technology and is the global leader in space borne optical transmission. To date, nine LCT135 terminals have been successfully deployed in either low earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary earth orbit (GEO) since 2007. Tesat-Spacecom has a current backlog of eight additional LCT135 terminals scheduled for launch between now and 2020 on variety of missions. “Orbital ATK believes it is time to operationalize space-based laser communications on a global scale. Tesat-Spacecom’s Laser Communication Terminal (LCT), which is deployed, proven, and in production, is a remarkable achievement. It takes production line efficiencies to reduce costs, whether it is LCT’s or spacecraft platforms. Tesat-Spacecom’s production of LCT’s aligns well with our strategy and space vehicle product offerings”, commented Dan Brophy, VP of Business Development at Orbital ATK.

“Laser communication offers high data rates across ground, air, and space domains and enhanced security,” said Linden Blue, CEO at GA-ASI. “The development of the LCT135 INTEROP is a logical evolution and supports the long-standing cooperation between Tesat-Spacecom and GA-ASI to demonstrate aircraft-to-GEO laser links.”