GA-EMS Set to Launch LINCS Spacecraft for Space-Based Optical Communications Experiments

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is preparing to launch its Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites have arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

GA-EMS said it plans to use LINCS to perform a series of optical inter-satellite link demonstrations in partnership with the Space Development Agency.

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said the optical communication demonstration will help “enable the future national security space architecture.”

According to GA-EMS, the effort is part of the Department of Defense’s bid to establish a high-speed, long-range communication system based on advanced optical communication terminal technology.

LINCS includes two 12U CubeSats each with a C-band dual-wavelength full-duplex OCT and an infrared payload, GA-EMS said.

CubeSats are a standardized class of miniature satellites that can be used alone or stacked modularly based on mission requirements, according to NASA.

Nick Bucci, vice president of missile defense and space systems at GA-EMS, said the mission demonstrates the company’s ability to provide a cost-effective package of satellites and payloads tailored to the customer’s mission needs.

On June 1, GA-EMS announced that it conducted a free space interconnect demonstration ground test on the LINCS spacecraft.

LINCS’ demonstration of autonomous acquisition, tracking and pointing marked the conclusion of the final acceptance testing phase, clearing it for the Kennedy Space Center launch.

GA-EMS specializes in producing electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems for applications such as satellite surveillance, rail guns, high-power lasers, hypervelocity projectiles and power conversion systems.