SDA Seeks Feedback on Optical Communications Waveforms for Tranche 3 Transport Layer

The Space Development Agency is soliciting industry feedback on optical communications waveforms to inform how the agency will integrate them into the third and future transport layer tranches of the Proliferated Warfighter Defense Architecture.

According to the SDA, it plans to commence planning for the Tranche 3 Transport Layer in fiscal year 2024, with satellite acquisition anticipated to begin in in FY 2025.

Industry players are also encouraged to provide insight on risk reduction efforts to support low data rate links and long-range links, particularly low-Earth orbit to medium-Earth orbit and LEO to geosynchronous Earth orbit ranges, the SDA said.

According to a request for information posted on SAM .gov, the SDA aims to align datalink and waveform capabilities for baselining and demonstration in Tranche 3, which is slated for launch in FY 2028.

The SDA is also seeking information from companies using optical communication terminals implementing the Department of Defense’s OCT Standard v3.1.0 or similar waveforms to determine the feasibility of integrating a new waveform with extended operating range into the OCTs, including pulse-position modulation or on-off keying burst-mode.

Responses to the RFI are due Dec. 8.