EOS in satellite breakthrough, links with US defense
Space, communications and defense maker Electro Optic Systems has found the biggest ally possible as it attempts to bring its SpaceLink global system of bonded optical relay communications satellites to market.
SpaceLink has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center (USASMDC-TC) in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama to continue development of the system.
As part of the agreement, the organizations will work together to explore alternate space communication paths that ensure resiliency and reduce latency between sensor and shooter.
SpaceLink’s planned satellite relay system is planned for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), with laser and RF optical links to accelerate the flow of remote sensing data and communications between satellites collecting data in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). ) and ground receivers.
At the same time, such a near-Earth communications relay satellite system could augment the U.S. national security space architecture.
According to an announcement, SpaceLink could provide secure, continuous, high-bandwidth communications between spacecraft and U.S. ground stations or tactically deployed ground terminals.
SpaceLink CEO Dave Bettinger said, “Collaborative research and simulations will provide a foundation for interoperability between government systems and the SpaceLink network.
“We are honored to work with USASMDC-TC to ensure that our development efforts meet the needs of the Army.
“Sharing facilities, intellectual property, and expertise will improve solutions for both fighters and industry, thereby improving national security and American dominance in space.”
The cooperation agreement is a huge boost for EOS which has reviewed its capital needs and priorities given the capital demand that the constellation of SpaceLink satellites represents for the Australian company, as well as its expansion plans. somewhere else.
Export Finance Australia has agreed to provide conditional financing of up to US$80 million in debt financing for the initial satellite communications constellation, one-third of the cost of the first four satellites.
Shares of EOS have been languishing this year, along with other Australian tech stocks, but rose five cents or 5.26% yesterday to close at $1.00.
By mid-morning, EOS shares were up 17% at $1.17.
The company said the collaboration would help SpaceLink better understand the U.S. military’s concept of operations and adjust its technology roadmap to meet customer needs.
For the Army, it will provide the empirical modeling and simulations necessary to support the development of interagency requirements for commercial remote sensing tactical downlink schedule requirements.
Due to its location within the MEO and optical/RF communication relay capabilities, the SpaceLink network has a continuous line of sight to LEO, MEO and GEO satellites and high altitude airborne assets.
It also has continuous connectivity with its dedicated gateway earth stations.
It is designed to support the real-time tasks and downlink data necessary for military operators to make tactical decisions.
Image: Electro-optical systems
Subscribe for free to our @AuManufacturing newsletter here.
