The Space Development Agency (SDA), the “constructive disruptor” of Department of Defense space acquisition, has published a high-priority Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry solutions for airborne optical communication terminals.
The initiative aims to integrate military aircraft directly into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a resilient mesh network of hundreds of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The RFI, posted on January 28, 2026, marks an aggressive move to transition laser communication from experimental demonstrations to an operational multi-domain capability. Industry responses are due by 5:00 p.m. ET on February 27, 2026.
Expanding the Optical Mesh to the Cockpit
Currently, most military aircraft rely on radio frequency (RF) systems for beyond-line-of-sight communication. However, RF links are increasingly vulnerable to electronic jamming and are limited by narrow bandwidth. Optical communications—or lasercom—use modulated infrared light to transmit data at rates 10 to 40 times higher than traditional RF, offering a “fiber-like” connection to platforms in flight.
The SDA is specifically interested in Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs) that can be rapidly demonstrated—within a 12-month timeframe—and are compatible with the SDA’s established OCT standards. Key technical areas identified in the RFI include:
- Manufacturing Readiness: Availability of products already in production or late-stage development.
- Airframe Integration: Preferred installation locations and the ability to handle platform jitter (vibration) while maintaining a precise laser lock.
- Environmental Testing: Proven performance in extreme thermal and atmospheric conditions, including thermal, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
- Link Budgets: Notional scenarios for stable, high-data-rate transmissions between 500 km and 1,000 km altitudes.
Building on Proven Success
This RFI follows a breakthrough proof-of-concept demonstration conducted in August 2025. During that test, the SDA, in partnership with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications, established a bi-directional optical link between a commercial satellite and an airborne terminal.
The success of that mission proved that optical links could maintain high-bandwidth stability despite atmospheric turbulence—traditionally the biggest hurdle for space-to-air lasercom. The SDA now aims to normalize this capability across its Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 satellite deployments, with a potential initial operational capability targeted as early as 2027.
Strategic Impact: Secure, High-Speed Data for the Warfighter
By connecting aircraft directly to the PWSA, the Space Force intends to solve the “bandwidth bottleneck” for data-intensive missions. Optical links provide a significantly smaller illuminated “footprint” than RF, making them nearly impossible for adversaries to detect or intercept—properties known as Low Probability of Detection (LPD) and Low Probability of Interception (LPI).
This capability will allow drones, intelligence-gathering aircraft, and command-and-control platforms to downlink massive volumes of sensor data in real-time, providing an unprecedented “information advantage” on the modern battlefield.
SDA Timeline & Submission Details
- RFI Release Date: January 28, 2026
- Intent to Participate Deadline: February 13, 2026
- Full Capability Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Contact: Department of the Air Force, FA2401 Space Development Agency
