Mynaric to Build Optical Ground Station for SDA Demonstration in 2024

The Space Development Agency has chosen Germany-based Mynaric to build an optical ground station for a laser communications test in 2025. The agency plans to demonstrate a connection between the station and space-based optical communications terminals.

The program’s objective is to record findings from the laser communications test to reduce risks for follow-on demonstrations, which will entail linking the ground station and Tranche 0 Transport Layer spacecraft, Mynaric said.

Joachim Horwath, the company’s chief technology officer, said the ground station will enhance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture‘s throughput and resilience. The PWSA is SDA’s multi-orbit satellite constellation for communications and missile tracking.

Mynaric is a key OCT provider for the PWSA buildout, recently securing a deal to deliver 21 Condor Mk3 terminals to RTX in 2024. The devices will be installed on satellites for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer, which forms part of the SDA constellation’s missile warning capability.

In 2022, Mynaric agreed to supply 42 Condor Mk3 terminals to Northrop Grumman, which is also building satellites for T1TL.