Voyager Technologies has secured a U.S. Space Force contract aimed at enhancing satellite communications capabilities, allowing for direct communication between spacecraft in orbit. Though the contract’s value remains undisclosed, it was awarded by Space Systems Command with a focus on creating a flight-ready communication waveform adaptable across various orbits.
The Denver-based company plans to demonstrate this technology in space, emphasizing the importance of affordability and scalability in implementation. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Space Force to develop a more resilient military communication network, enabling spacecraft to relay information directly, thereby creating multiple pathways for data transmission.
Voyager’s system is designed to securely link various spacecraft while adhering to specified requirements like weight and power consumption. This contract complements the Space Force’s ongoing efforts to build an expansive communications architecture known as the Space Data Network (SDN). Notably, in May, SpaceX received a substantial contract for the SDN Backbone, aimed at establishing a low Earth orbit satellite network with optical data links.
The overarching goal is to facilitate inter-manufacturer communication among satellites, ensuring a reliable flow of crucial data. Space Systems Command is also developing common communication standards, which would allow compatible satellites to connect seamlessly. Voyager’s upcoming orbital demonstration remains unannounced, with further details on the spacecraft carrying the technology yet to be disclosed.
