German optical communications company Mynaric has marked a significant recovery by delivering 84 laser terminals to York Space Systems and Northrop Grumman. This delivery comes after a challenging year characterized by supply chain issues and a major restructuring effort. The terminals are part of the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aimed at enhancing military satellite communications.
Key Deliveries Support Military Initiatives
Of the 84 delivered units, 42 have already been launched into orbit. These terminals were aboard 21 York-built satellites that took flight on September 10, 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the first “plane” of SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer. Both York Space and Northrop Grumman have formally accepted the hardware, confirming its readiness for operational use.
While York declined to comment on specific suppliers, pre-launch images revealed that terminals from both Mynaric and Colorado-based Skyloom Global were present on York’s spacecraft. This underscores the competitive landscape of optical communications, where several firms aim to meet SDA’s interoperability standards. These standards are essential for a cohesive satellite network that relies on optical crosslinks to facilitate seamless data transfer.
Production Challenges and Future Goals
The recent shipments illustrate a turnaround for Mynaric after a difficult 2024, during which critical component shortages severely impacted production. This led the company to revise its financial outlook. A spokesperson for Mynaric stated, “We are currently averaging around six optical heads per week, with some weeks reaching double-digit output. Our target remains to consistently produce double-digit optical heads each week throughout the end of the year.”
Mynaric manufactures the CONDOR Mk3 optical terminal line, which is integral for satellite constellations. An upgraded version, the CONDOR Mk3.1, is in development for SDA’s upcoming Tranche 2 satellites, with launches anticipated in approximately two years. Recently, Mynaric underwent a significant financial restructuring in Germany, paving the way for a proposed acquisition by Rocket Lab valued at $150 million. The acquisition was initially announced in March but was delayed until the restructuring was completed, transferring ownership to the German investment firm JVF-Holding.
Optical communications terminals, often referred to as “laser links,” utilize focused beams of light to transmit data between satellites or from space to the ground. This technology offers advantages over traditional radio frequency links, including higher bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced security. The SDA’s PWSA emphasizes interoperability, ensuring that satellites from different manufacturers can operate as a unified network. Multiple vendors, including Mynaric and Skyloom, have been certified to prevent reliance on a single source. Skyloom has also been increasing its deliveries to York, having completed its second batch of 44 optical terminals for SDA spacecraft.
The ongoing development of SDA’s proliferated architecture relies on rapid scaling of production capabilities across numerous contractors. This strategy is vital for minimizing risks associated with dependency on individual vendors, ensuring a robust and flexible defense communication network.