Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) Standard Version 4.0
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has released an update to the Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) Standard. Version 4.0 of the OCT Standard is backwards compatible with previous versions, ensures interoperability across vendors, enables a strong marketplace, and provides relevant communication capabilities to space, terrestrial, maritime, and airborne warfighting platforms. The SDA OCT standard defines top-level technical specifications for an optical communications terminal to be interoperable with the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, ultimately enabling partners and allies to move data across the SDA Transport Layer.
OCT Standard v4.0 will be used to define optical communications requirements for Tranche 3. SDA plans to demonstrate a link between PWSA low Earth orbit (LEO) space vehicles and Space Systems Command (SSC) medium Earth orbit (MEO) in the Tranche 2 timeframe. Emerging warfighter needs and technology advancements drive the spiral development of the OCT Standard. SDA will continue to deliver good enough capability to the warfighter sooner, in two-year spirals.
OCT Standard v4.0 introduces a new long-range waveform that looks toward future connection with the SSC Resilient Missile Warning/Missile Tracking (MW/MT) medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Missile Track Custody (MTC) space vehicles. This waveform will enable a resilient path for future MEO MTC satellites to move critical warfighter data through the SDA Transport Layer.
Earlier versions of the OCT Standard may be found here.
SDA NEBULA Standard Version 3.05
The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture will transmit large amounts of data with low latency throughout the constellation and associated ground systems. Each satellite in the PWSA is equipped with Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), addressed in the other standard on this page, and will be part of the same network. This document defines the standards and requirements for the PWSA network, known as the Network Established Beyond the Upper Limits of the Atmosphere (NEBULA).
In November 2024, SDA issued the updated NEBULA Standard v3.05. SDA suggests potential cryptographic device vendors take note of section 3.2, entitled “Information Assurance NEBULA_4”, where minimal requirements for acceptable PWSA-compatible high assurance internet protocol encryptor (HAIPE) devices are defined.
Fact Sheets
SDA One Pager
PWSA Tranche 0 Fact Sheet
Calvelli Formula
PWSA Tranche 1 Fact Sheet
Transport Layer
Tracking Layer
BMC3 Layer
Ground Layer
SDA Technology Roadmap