24/7 Space News
TECH SPACE
Terran Orbital PTD-3 enables 200Gbits space-to-ground optical link
File illustration of the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (PTD-3) satellite.
ADVERTISEMENT
     
Terran Orbital PTD-3 enables 200Gbits space-to-ground optical link
by Staff Writers
Boca Raton FL (SPX) May 15, 2023

Terran Orbital Corporation (NYSE: LLAP) has achieved a significant milestone in space-to-ground communication with the successful implementation of a 200 gigabits per second optical link through the Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator 3 (PTD-3) satellite. This breakthrough surpasses current satellite communications standards by multiple orders of magnitude and has the potential to revolutionize space-based earth observation and synthetic aperture radar industries, addressing long-standing data throughput limitations.

The achievement, funded by NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) and developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory, marks a substantial advancement in space communication technology. It allows spacecraft to transmit several terabytes of data to the ground in a single pass, overcoming historical bottlenecks and opening doors to more efficient and high-capacity data transfers in the future.

According to Terran Orbital, the company has a history of supporting groundbreaking data transmission accomplishments. In a previous record-breaking achievement, the TBIRD payload successfully transmitted 1.4 terabytes of test data to a single ground station in less than five minutes. However, this newly announced 200 gigabits per second space-to-ground optical link surpasses that previous record, setting a new standard in speed and data transmission quantity.

Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the achievement, stating, "Terran Orbital is honored to have worked alongside NASA on this groundbreaking mission and is grateful to MIT Lincoln Laboratory for creating the payload. We look forward to working with NASA and MIT Lincoln Laboratory on future satellites as we continue to make record-breaking in space commonplace."

For defense industry analysts, this breakthrough has significant implications. It has the potential to enhance defense-related applications, particularly in the areas of space-based earth observation and synthetic aperture radar. The increased data transmission rates achieved by Terran Orbital could strengthen defense capabilities by enabling more efficient and rapid transfer of critical information.

Industry analysts should pay close attention to this development, as it signifies a major stride in space communication technology. The breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for existing technologies, market opportunities, and potential competitors within the space-based earth observation and synthetic aperture radar industries.

In contrast, stock market analysts may find limited direct relevance in this specific achievement. While the technological advancement is noteworthy, this article does not provide extensive financial or market information that directly impacts stock performance or investment opportunities.

In summary, Terran Orbital's accomplishment of enabling a 200 gigabits per second space-to-ground optical link through the PTD-3 satellite represents a significant breakthrough in space communication technology. With implications for defense-related applications and potential game-changing capabilities in space-based earth observation and synthetic aperture radar industries, this achievement paves the way for more efficient and high-capacity data transfers. Industry analysts should closely monitor the implications and market opportunities arising from this development.

Related Links
Terran Orbital
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TECH SPACE
NASA and partners achieve fastest space-to-ground laser comms link
Moffett Field CA (SPX) May 12, 2023
On April 28, NASA and its partners achieved another major milestone in the future of space communications - achieving 200 gigabit per second (Gbps) throughput on a space-to-ground optical link between a satellite in orbit and Earth, the highest data rate ever achieved by optical communications technology. These data rates are made possible by using laser communications, which packs information into the oscillations of light waves in lasers, instead of using radio waves like most space communicatio ... read more

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
TECH SPACE
Private mission carrying Saudi astronauts launches to ISS

Private mission carrying first Saudi astronauts to visit ISS set for launch

Axiom Space's second crewed mission gets green light

Ax-2 crew carrying personal, cultural mementoes on launch to ISS

TECH SPACE
Pair of NASA weather satellites to launch from New Zealand

Rocket Lab to launch small satellite swarm for NASA

Sales rocket for Zenno's fuel-free satellite pointing system

Virgin Orbit receives more than 30 indications of interest under court approved bid procedures

TECH SPACE
A blancing act at Ubajara: Sol 3830

These sounds are out of this world

Perseverance images may show record of wild Martian river

Sitting still but not idling at Ubajara: Sols 3827-3829

TECH SPACE
"Tianzhou Express" is online again, with five highlights

Tianzhou 6 docks with Tiangong space station

China's cargo craft Tianzhou 6 ready for launch

Tianzhou-5 cargo craft separates from China's space station

TECH SPACE
Toshiba posts 35% decline in full-year net profit

Sidus Space selected by OneWeb to manufacture satellite hardware

Sidus Space expands global ground site network with new ATLAS contract

How NASA's work led to commercial spaceflight revolution

TECH SPACE
Terran Orbital PTD-3 enables 200Gbits space-to-ground optical link

Developing an ultraprotective sunscreen from our own melanin

Beauty brand Lush unveils new Green Hub but business comes first

EU targets fast fashion in push for durable goods

TECH SPACE
Astronomers observe the first radiation belt seen outside of our solar system

Researchers uncover how primordial proteins formed on prebiotic earth

Bacteria survive on radioactive elements

Astronomers spot benzene in planet-forming disk around star for first time

TECH SPACE
NASA's Juno mission closing in on Io

Pioneer 11, launched 50 years ago, helped solve mysteries of the universe

NASA: Up to 4 of Uranus' moons could have water

New video series captures team working on NASA's Europa Clipper

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters


ADVERTISEMENT



The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2023 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.