GA-EMS and Kepler demo air-to-space optical comms

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 11, 2025 Space Systems Command's Assured Access to Space has successfully placed 21 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Transport Layer satellites into orbit, marking the first launch of Tranche 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The mission, supported by Space Launch Delta 30, flew aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and delivered York Space Systems-built data transport satellites. #SpaceLaunch #Falcon9 #SpaceX #Satellite #SpaceDevelopment

Big news for York Space Systems LLC York just delivered 21 satellites to the Space Development Agency (their largest delivery ever)! These satellites are set to launch soon on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and they’ll be the first SDA satellites to provide real, operational capability in orbit. This marks a huge step toward building a new network of satellites that will keep U.S. forces connected, share information faster, and strengthen communications in space. York also proved they can scale up production to meet growing demand which is a major milestone for both the team and the future of defense and space tech. https://lnkd.in/gecxawMT

First Tranche 1 satellites launched for Space Development Agency network: Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 11, 2025 Space Systems Command's Assured Access to Space has successfully placed 21 Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Transport Layer satellites into orbit, marking the first launch of Tranche 1 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The mission, supported by Space Launch Delta 30, flew aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 and delivered York Space Systems-built data transport satellites.

Kazunori Takahashi, associate professor in the Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University in Japan conducted work recently on using a plasma thruster to decelerate space debris, forcing it out of orbit. https://lnkd.in/eJV8iqig

Space Development Agency launches first operational satellites The 21 spacecraft could start providing operational capability to combatant commands and other users within four to six months, according to SDA. https://lnkd.in/dZpJDqv7

Reusable launchers have already changed the economics of space - but Europe is now building its own path. European presence in space begins on the launch pad. Through BEST! and THRUST!, the European Space Agency - ESA FLPP programme for future space transportation is supporting reusable thrusters, boosters and architectures that are moving into testing today. These projects aim to cut costs, reduce environmental impact, and prepare Europe for the next generation of launchers. This progress secures European competitiveness and provides continuous, independent access to orbit - carrying commercial, scientific and exploration payloads into the decades ahead. Get ready to take flight: https://lnkd.in/dp67hxQ5

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications US, Inc. announce the successful demonstration of bi-directional air-to-space optical communications between the GA-EMS Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) mounted on an aircraft and a Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 0-compatible Kepler satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). The demonstration marks a milestone in advancing SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, proving the ability to establish secure, high-data-rate connectivity between airborne and space-based assets in challenging operational environments. https://lnkd.in/eVd2Z-ph #communication #space #secure #satellite

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications US, Inc. announced the successful demonstration of bi-directional air-to-space optical communications between the GA-EMS Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) mounted on an aircraft and a Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 0-compatible Kepler satellite in LEO. https://lnkd.in/eNyc63aS

"Quantum Space is acquiring propulsion technologies and facilities from Phase Four to support development of its Ranger maneuverable spacecraft...Quantum Space acquires Phase Four propulsion assets"... Space news acquisition https://lnkd.in/e6xgcbUb

Space Systems Command news release: Space Systems Command, Space Development Agency Complete Successful Launch of First Tranche 1 Satellite SUMMARY: Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space delivers 21 data transport satellites on orbit for the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9TDFeGA The United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) @Assured Access To Space (AATS) and Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) teams successfully launch the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer-B (T1TL-B) mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-4 East at 7:12 a.m. PST from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Sept. 10, 2025. Tranche 1 launches will continue with an approximate cadence of one launch per month for the next nine months, using National Security Space Launch (NSSL) providers, until the full space vehicle constellation is on orbit. (Photo Credit: SpaceX)