Would it be possible to develop the same concept for GPS satellites?
The company is currently providing its optical cross-link terminals for DARPA’s Blackjack program, which seeks to prove the viability of a proliferated small satellite constellation in low Earth orbit. Mynaric also worked with other cross-link providers as well as the Space Development Agency to develop an interoperability standard to ensure laser cross-links on the U.S. military’s small satellites can communicate effectively with commercial constellations in development by Amazon, SpaceX, OneWeb, Telesat and more.
The German ‘new space’ industry is booming. So why isn’t Berlin buying in?
The government has articulated the importance of space, but has yet to put many actual euros behind the statement, according to analysts.www.defensenews.com
Is Project Blackjack still relevant?
Project Blackjack was intended to demonstrate the value of a proliferated satellite constellation made up of dozens of satellites in low Earth orbit, but the Pentagon has since bought into the concept and begun investing in an operational alternative.www.c4isrnet.com
How long has this project been going, for the A and B satellites to be named Able and Baker instead of the international Alpha and Bravo?!?View: https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1412802776191705089
DARPA successfully deployed two satellites on June 30 as part of the SpaceX Transporter 2 launch. Both Mandrake 2 spacecraft, Able and Baker, are functioning well and progressing through checkout and commissioning. Conceived as an early risk-reduction flight for DARPA’s Blackjack program, the Mandrake 2 mission will prove out advanced laser communications technologies for a broad government stakeholder team that includes DARPA, Space Development Agency (SDA), Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV), and Office of the Secretary of Defense’s (OSD) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) office.
During its on-orbit mission, Mandrake 2 will demonstrate the viability of low size, weight, power, and cost laser communications terminals that are interoperable. “This constitutes a game-changing advancement and a critical enabler for proliferated space architectures,” said Stephen Forbes who is program manager of the Blackjack program in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “Mandrake 2 has already successfully demonstrated a rapid satellite development timeline, since the Blackjack program moved from contract award to delivery of space vehicles at the launch site in less than nine months.”