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laser communication

Drowning in Data: New Report Says Space Force Needs Lasers Comms to Beat the Bottleneck

Sept. 30, 2026 | By Todd South
The long-standing method for communicating data down from space via radio frequencies has the potential to create deadly data bottlenecks that could slow and stymie future operations, according to a new report from AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. The report makes the case for ...

Space Force Spending Too Big Before Proving Laser Comms Works: Watchdog

Feb. 26, 2025 | By David Roza
The Space Force’s investment into satellite laser communications development is outpacing its own commitment to proving the technology works, the Government Accountability Office warned in a report published Feb. 26.

SDA Tests Laser Comms Between Satellites—But Faces Hurdles Before Next Launch

Sept. 5, 2024 | By Unshin Lee Harpley
The Space Development Agency demonstrated laser communications between two of its satellites for the first time recent, laying the groundwork for the “mesh network” that will link hundreds of its satellites in low-Earth orbit. SDA director Derek Tournear added that the agency plans to start ...

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Air & Space Forces Magazine is the official publication of the Air & Space Forces Association, 1201 S. Joyce St., C6 / Second Fl., Arlington, Va., 22202. Copyright 2026

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