What Happened
Translator Satellites Required To Connect Incompatible Systems
The Space Force’s satellite network, designed to rapidly move data over high-speed laser links, is facing a significant challenge due to incompatible optical waveforms between different systems. To address this issue, the Space Force is considering a new set of satellites, known as Space Exchange Points, which could serve as translators between the incompatible systems. The solution is expected to cost around $1 billion, according to sources. The Space Force plans to orbit an operational prototype of the Space Data Network Backbone by 2027, with the goal of connecting sensors to shooters and supporting the Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The issue was first reported by Breaking Defense.