Satellite link

Boeing has demonstrated the ability of the Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) to link from one satellite to another using a laser beam in a simulated space environment.

The demonstration, performed in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratories (MIT/LL), marked the third of four planned laser communication milestone demonstrations.

Boeing says TSAT is designed to provide the secure, long haul, high capacity backbone and full Internet-like functionality for US forces to ensure that they have information superiority in any situation throughout the world.

MIT/LL tested the Boeing hardware for performance and compatibility with the US government's new Lasercom Interoperability Standard, as well as the performance readiness of Boeing's TSAT optical modems. MIT/LL rated the free-space optical link operation at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, which enables the broadcast of 3,000 simultaneous high-definition TV channels, or about 15,000 regular TV channels, in each direction.