The EST program, part of SSC's Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Program Executive Office, aims to create on-orbit crosslink compatibility among future space systems. This will be achieved through a standardized enterprise waveform implemented in a long-range space optical communications terminal that is low in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C). ESTs are fundamental to the broader Space Data Network, which will establish a space mesh network for enhanced resiliency and information path diversity.

The EST program builds on prior investments by the Department of Defense and commercial developers to operationalize a new enterprise waveform designed for communication in Beyond Low Earth Orbit (bLEO) regimes.

"The EST prototypes will be a huge step forward for a future space mesh network across different orbital regimes ranging from low earth orbit to past the geosynchronous orbit regime," said John Kirkemo, senior materiel leader of SSC's Advanced Communications Acquisition Delta. "These terminals will implement a common waveform so all satellites carrying these terminals can talk to each other. This is important as the network of satellites carrying EST compatible terminals will provide diverse communication paths for data that is critical to our national security and our way of life."

The four contracts were awarded through SSC's Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), created to bridge the cultural gap between military buyers and commercial space startups and small businesses through Other Transaction Authorities.

"SpEC was specifically initiated to use competition to maximize innovation and drive down costs as we're doing with the EST Program," said Col. Bryon McClain, program executive officer for SSC Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power. "Over the past seven years, SpEC has enabled the DoD to leverage both traditional and non-traditional vendors to provide new capability for our Nation."

Related Links
Space Systems Command
Space Technology News - Applications and Research