Bluehalo two-terminal long-haul communication system. Photo: Bluehalo

BlueHalo successfully demonstrated its two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system, the company announced on March 20. 

The demonstration involved two laser communication optical terminals completing pointing, acquisition, and tracking sequences at transmit power levels supporting multi-orbit, space-to-space satellite crosslink. This was achieved under simulated space environment challenges, including jitter, temperatures, and lack of atmosphere.

With this prototype demonstration in an operational environment, BlueHalo said its optical communication terminals have reached Technology Readiness Level 6.

Mary Clum, president of BlueHalo’s Product & Space Systems portfolio said: “With the technology validated, BlueHalo is ready to begin quickly producing these advanced optical terminals for deployment on satellites across all echelons of space. It’s an urgent need to enhance our nation’s security posture – in space and on the ground – and support the rapidly accelerating demand for rapid transport of high-bandwidth, mission-critical data.”

BlueHalo’s laser communication terminals are designed for national security operations and commercial satellite bus providers. They offer range, accuracy, and reliability for free-space optical communications.