Photo: Atlas Space Operations

ATLAS Space Operations entered into an agreement to develop its LINKS platform with the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The competitively awarded rapid prototyping program will run for 12 months, and will deliver a complete satellite communications platform tailored to the Air Force’s Multi-Band Multi-Mission requirements, as outlined by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Range and Network Systems Division.

The resulting platform aims to provide several key advantages that have proven challenging for traditional antenna equipment, including the ability to communicate with multiple satellites simultaneously, tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSOs), and providing enhanced telemetry data to ascending launch vehicles. The man-portable LINKS platform aim to increase capacity, flexibility, interoperability, automation, and resiliency of space operations and space lift.

“Working directly with the Air Force will ensure LINKS’ capabilities precisely meet their requirements,” ATLAS CEO Sean McDaniel said. “This development process and adherence to the Air Force’s high standards will ultimately lead to a product that will easily meet or exceed the requirements of the commercial sector down the road.”