The first-ever successful Link 16 network entry from Tranche 0 (T0) satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to a U.S. Navy ship in international waters has been announced by York Space Systems (York), a Denver-based aerospace company committed to the rapid deployment of complete space mission solutions, in partnership with the Space Development Agency (SDA). By pushing the limits of space-based communications, this historic demonstration represents a significant step toward the realization of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
This demonstration expands on the earlier success of York and SDA and highlights the potential of Link 16 technology in space. For decades, ground and air operations for joint, NATO, and coalition warfighting efforts have relied heavily on this technology. The test’s successful completion marks a major leap in improving real-time, all-domain communication capabilities, bringing us closer to making Link 16 an operational reality in space.
York CEO Dirk Wallinger highlighted the team’s commitment to improving space-based capabilities for defence by applauding their quickness in creating and implementing cutting-edge technologies for the SDA. York’s T0 satellites successfully demonstrated the entry of the Link 16 network from orbit, enhancing warfighters’ coordination and global situational awareness. The Chairman of York, Charles Beames, praised the Space Development Agency for its contribution to the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture and emphasized its significance for both international preparedness and national security.
York was responsible for the development, delivery, and successful launch of nine satellites for SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 0. In August 2020, York was given a $94 million contract by SDA to develop these satellites; from the time the deal was signed to the first launch, it took slightly more than 2.5 years. In addition, York is actively developing 12 experimental satellites for the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) program, which is scheduled for launch in 2025, 62 satellites for Tranche 2 Alpha, which is scheduled for launch in 2026, and 42 more satellites for SDA’s Tranche 1 (T1) of the PWSA, which is expected to launch in late 2024.
