A NASA digital rendering of satellite optical communications. Photo: NASA

[Via Satellite 03-31-2016] BridgeSat has selected Joseph Campagna to be Senior Vice President (SVP) of operations to lead the development of the company’s ground-station network, an integral part of the company’s optical connectivity data transmission system.

Prior to joining BridgeSat, Campagna founded and led Global Ground Systems as CEO and chief engineer, focusing on ground system design, systems analysis and business development for commercial and U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)-related customers. He has more than 25 years of worldwide operational experience building ground systems for satellites, including senior management positions at Vectronix, Orbital ATK, Motorola-Iridium Satellite Communications and the U.S. Air Force. At BridgeSat, Campagna will help the company develop its space-based optical communications technology and bring it into daily operational use.

BridgeSat’s system aims to improve the transfer of data from satellites and high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) by using optical systems instead of radio-frequency spectrum. The development of the ground-station network will allow BridgeSat to offer a downlink-as-a-service system, described as a secure, cost-effective alternative to traditional radio-frequency programs, with greater speed and throughput.