Altera Partners With DIU to Build 200-Gbps Optical Modem for Satellite Interoperability
Updated
Updated · briefglance.com · May 26
Altera Partners With DIU to Build 200-Gbps Optical Modem for Satellite Interoperability
2 articles · Updated · briefglance.com · May 26
Summary
Altera said it will develop a highly reconfigurable optical modem prototype for the Pentagon’s RAZORBAC program, aimed at linking military and commercial satellites across constellations and orbital layers.
The modem will use Agilex FPGA technology and a multi-chip package to adapt on the fly to different optical waveforms and protocols, addressing today’s closed laser-link ecosystems.
Optical inter-satellite links can reach 200 Gbps, but current networks such as Starlink and Project Kuiper largely operate as proprietary systems that cannot readily communicate with one another or government assets.
DIU and the U.S. Space Force are pushing the effort because laser communications offer higher bandwidth and lower interception or jamming risk than traditional RF links, improving resilience in contested space operations.
If successful, the FPGA-based design could be updated by software rather than hardware redesign, extending satellite lifespans and opening a dual-use path into the fast-growing commercial space communications market.