Mynaric, a laser communication company, has been contracted by Raytheon Technologies to supply 21 optical terminals for seven satellites that Raytheon is building for the Space Development Agency (SDA). The optical terminals provided by Mynaric will enable laser communications capabilities for the missile-tracking satellites being developed by Raytheon.
Laser communication, also known as optical communication, offers high-bandwidth and secure data transmission between satellites and ground stations. By using laser links, these satellites will be able to efficiently transfer large amounts of data, such as tracking information, in real-time.
The satellites are part of the Space Development Agency’s efforts to enhance the United States‘ missile tracking and defense capabilities by establishing a resilient and robust space-based sensor layer.
The satellites are being developed under a $250 million contract from the Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer project.
The Tranche 1 Tracking Layer aims to create a network of 35 satellites, including the seven satellites by Raytheon, as well as 14 satellites by Northrop Grumman and 14 by L3Harris Technologies. These satellites will be launched into low-Earth orbit in 2025.
The Raytheon satellites for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer will be equipped with wide field-of-view infrared sensors, and three optical communications terminals provided by Mynaric. Their primary mission is to detect, identify, and track hypersonic weapons and advanced missiles from the early stages of launch to interception.
Mynaric is set to supply Raytheon with Condor Mk3 terminals for their seven military satellites. The deliveries are projected to take place in 2024. This order adds to Mynaric’s significant presence as an optical terminals provider for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) proliferated constellation.
In the past year, Mynaric had previously announced that it will provide 42 Condor Mk3 terminals for Northrop Grumman’s 14 Tracking Layer satellites, further solidifying its position in the SDA’s satellite network.
Additionally, L3Harris made a strategic investment in Mynaric, and Mynaric established a strategic supplier relationship with Northrop Grumman in 2021. With these partnerships and orders, Mynaric is well-positioned to play a crucial role in providing optical communication solutions for the SDA’s satellite projects.
