Presentation for NASACommercial Laser Comm Interoperability and Regulatory Workshop

12 July 2017

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BridgeSat Overview

• BridgeSat’s mission is to commercialize space-based laser communications• Delivery of space-qualified laser communications terminals• Access to BridgeSat’s global laser comm ground network• Full turnkey solution for the commercial satellite community

• On track for a LEO satellite to Optical Ground Station checkout in 2017• Initial Operating Capability planned and on schedule for 2018 with

multiple satellite and ground stations • Final Operating Capability (FOC) planned and on schedule early 2019

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Markets for Laser Communications

• LEO Earth Observation (EO) satellites that generate large amounts of on-orbit data, but lack available RF spectrum

• Inter-satellite links (ISL) for satellite relay networks and constellations• High data gateways for GEO High-Throughput Satellites (HTS)• Secure high-data communications from and between Satellites, UAVs, and

high-altitude platforms (HAPs)

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BridgeSat’s Laser Comms Ground Network

• BridgeSat’s expansive Optical Communications Network consists of ten Optical Ground Stations connected to a Network Operations Center

• Access for compatible 1550 nm wavelength laser comms terminals

The establishment of commercial laser comm interoperability standards and regulations is critical to BridgeSat’s business

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BridgeSat’s Network Status

• Initial high speed network established by the end of 2017• Network Operations Center, R&D facilities and Corporate Offices• Full network satellite-to-ground data flow• Ground breaking and construction under way at BridgeSat Sites

• On track for FOC in early 2019 for all 10 Sites

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Laser Comms Standards

• It is in BridgeSat’s interests to set up laser communications standards so that all operators and manufacturers can use the BridgeSat network

• Goal is to achieve the open connection shared with RF systems• BridgeSat is a guest member of the CCSDS SLS-OPT Optical

Communications working group• BridgeSat’s role is to provide guidance on commercially viable

standards, based on a survey the wider satellite industry • Supports the CCSDS SLS-OPT goal of preparing books with

commercial utility

• BridgeSat is open to working with NASA and other scientific agencies to provide testing and support for upcoming missions

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Laser Comms Regulations

• Ensuring a smart and efficient regulatory environment for space-based laser communications is of paramount importance to BridgeSat

• Laser communications is not regulated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

• FAA, Laser Clearinghouse and FDA are examples of groups that have existing laser regulations that are considered in BridgeSat’s plan

• BridgeSat has taken the lead on the establishment of the Space-based Optical Communications Association (SOCA)

• New trade association dedicated to the proper regulation and promotion of space-based optical communications

• Formation as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization• Open to all commercial organizations that are interested in the future of

free-space optical communications• U.S. Export Compliance licensing requirements for laser communications are

detailed in both State Dept. and Commerce Dept. Regulations