SpaceLink and Mynaric
Join Forces
May 12, 2021
Mynaric and SpaceLink
agreed on the framework of a partnership to
expand Mynaric’s laser communication product
portfolio for use in SpaceLink’s data relay
network. The strategic relationship will help
drive forward the SpaceLink satellite relay
service, which provides secure, continuous,
high-capacity communications between LEO
spacecraft and the ground.
The companies will work
together to expand Mynaric’s product portfolio
with an optical inter-satellite link (OISL)
terminal for satellites in Medium Earth Orbit
(MEO), where the SpaceLink constellation will
operate. The new terminal will also be
compatible with the Space Development Agency
(SDA) Transport Layer.
Mynaric will supply more
than 40 OISL terminals as part of the plan
outlined in a term sheet, which includes units
of the new, advanced product for satellites in
MEO as well as units of Mynaric’s CONDOR
terminals for SpaceLink LEO customers. SpaceLink
and Mynaric have also agreed to an option that
would increase the number of terminals delivered
upon SpaceLink’s expansion of its MEO
constellation.
Laser communication
technology is critical for SpaceLink to build
the communications superhighway for the new
space economy. Mynaric’s product portfolio is a
natural choice as it meets SpaceLink’s
programmatic requirements, provides high
performance, and is fully compliant with the
OISL Standard driven by the SDA. This is a major
benefit that allows SpaceLink to serve the
largest possible range of commercial and
government customers.
SpaceLink is building its
high-capacity data relay network to meet pent-up
demand for continuous, fast, and secure access
to the growing amount of data available from
space. The Always in Sight™ constellation helps
satellite operators maximize the value of
on-orbit assets with near real time transmission
of user data to the ground for immediate access
via the Internet, private cloud, or other secure
delivery. Mynaric was selected as a supplier to
support SpaceLink’s mission given its
industrialized approach towards the production
of advanced laser communication products.
“Our work with Mynaric to
implement advanced OISL capability into the
SpaceLink constellation will ensure performance
and interoperability. Mynaric has exceptional
expertise to advance a new generation of OISLs
that address our requirements and our mission to
speed massive amounts of data to users no matter
where they are located on Earth. Together with
Mynaric, SpaceLink will enable our customers to
take a quantum leap in delivering data that
saves lives and advances humanity to a new age
of space commerce, exploration, environmental
awareness, and security.”
David Bettinger, CEO
SpaceLink
