York Space Systems Demonstrates Space-to-Ground Optical Laser Communications Link with Space Development Agency

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York Space Systems (York), a defense technology company transforming how the United States builds and operates proliferated space-based capabilities, announced the successful demonstration of a space-to-ground optical laser communication link with the Space Development Agency (SDA). This major milestone marks another step forward in building out the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer, which is designed to provide resilient, low-latency, high-volume data connectivity to U.S. and allied warfighters globally.

During the demonstration, a York-built Tranche 0 satellite established a laser communications connection with one of SDA’s optical ground terminals. The test resulted in more than 1.5 million frames successfully received, validating the performance of York’s optical communications integration in partnership with SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

“York’s ability to rapidly integrate and demonstrate these capabilities is what sets us apart,” said Mike Lajczok, CTO of York. “By consistently delivering proven technologies on accelerated timelines, York is helping set the standard for how the United States fields advanced capabilities at scale.”

“This achievement proves that optical communications are not only viable in real-world operations but also ready to strengthen the resilience and speed of the national defense space architecture,” said Melanie Preisser, VP and GM of York. “By demonstrating secure, high-capacity links for missile warning, tracking, and tactical transport, York is demonstrating that these technologies can be fielded rapidly to meet the nation’s evolving mission demands.”

This successful demonstration further underscores York’s leadership in proliferated low Earth orbit systems and reinforces the company’s role as a key partner in advancing SDA’s vision for the PWSA.

SDA and York are advancing a more secure and robust space-based communications network capable of supporting the next generation of missile warning, missile tracking, and tactical data transport missions—capabilities that also lay the groundwork for future architectures.