Rocket Lab to Test Space Force Data Network Connection in Orbit in 2027
Rocket Lab plans to use one of its Photon spacecraft for an in-orbit demonstration of the U.S. Space Force's Space Data Network in 2027.
The U.S. Space Force is working to establish a military communications architecture that can move large volumes of data among satellites and between space and the ground. This architecture, known as the Space Data Network, is designed to be interoperable with spacecraft and networks from multiple suppliers.
The Space Force has established a consortium with five companies, including Rocket Lab, to work through the technical and architectural challenges of connecting systems supplied by multiple vendors. Rocket Lab has been selected for a $12 million contract to demonstrate how its Photon spacecraft can connect to the Space Data Network.
The Photon spacecraft is a configurable satellite platform used for government, commercial, and exploration missions. It will be equipped with optical communications and networking hardware to demonstrate interoperability in orbit. The $12 million award covers design and ground testing ahead of the flight.
The Space Data Network is a planned military communications architecture designed to move large volumes of data among satellites and between space and the ground. SpaceX has received a $2.29 billion contract to build the Space Data Network Backbone, a proliferated constellation using optical links to route data from satellite to satellite.
The Space Force is trying to establish common interfaces that would allow spacecraft and networks from other suppliers to connect to the Space Data Network Backbone, avoiding an architecture dependent on proprietary technology from a single company.
Rocket Lab's demonstration will test secure optical communications interoperability between satellites and ground systems. The company's announcement provides the first specifics on how at least one of the contractors plans to conduct its on-orbit test.
Space Data Network Consortium
The Space Data Network consortium includes five companies: Rocket Lab, Amazon LEO for Government, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and York Space Systems. Each of these companies has received a $12 million award to demonstrate how their satellite systems can connect to the Space Data Network.
| Company | Award |
|---|---|
| Rocket Lab | $12 million |
| Amazon LEO for Government | $12 million |
| Lockheed Martin | $12 million |
| Northrop Grumman | $12 million |
| York Space Systems | $12 million |
Space Data Network Architecture
The Space Data Network is a planned military communications architecture designed to move large volumes of data among satellites and between space and the ground. It is intended to be interoperable with spacecraft and networks from multiple suppliers.
The Space Force is trying to establish common interfaces that would allow spacecraft and networks from other suppliers to connect to the Space Data Network Backbone, avoiding an architecture dependent on proprietary technology from a single company.
The Space Data Network Backbone is a proliferated constellation using optical links to route data from satellite to satellite. SpaceX has received a $2.29 billion contract to build this backbone.
In-Orbit Demonstration
Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft will be used for an in-orbit demonstration of the Space Data Network. The spacecraft will be equipped with optical communications and networking hardware to demonstrate interoperability in orbit. The $12 million award covers design and ground testing ahead of the flight.
The demonstration will test secure optical communications interoperability between satellites and ground systems. Rocket Lab's announcement provides the first specifics on how at least one of the contractors plans to conduct its on-orbit test.
