SDA Issues Request for Information for Future Space-To-Air Optical Communication Terminals

Posted On: January 28, 2026

Response Date: February 27, 2026

Space Development Agency (SDA) today published a request for information (RFI) seeking industry solutions for airborne optical communication terminals. This initiative aims to equip military aircraft with the ability to connect directly to SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a resilient network of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

This effort builds directly on the success of a landmark demonstration conducted in August 2025. During that test, SDA and its partners proved the viability of space-to-air optical links by establishing a two-way, high-bandwidth connection between a LEO satellite and an airborne test asset in flight. The demonstration achieved stable, high-data-rate transmission, proving that laser communications can provide the bandwidth and security necessary to move mission-critical data to and from airborne platforms.

The RFI seeks information on airborne optical terminal designs, production maturity, and integration pathways. SDA will prioritize technology that can be rapidly demonstrated—within 12 months—and transitioned into operational service.

Responses to this RFI will specifically inform SDA’s goal to enable resilient space-to-air optical links as part of the PWSA, with a potential initial operational capability as soon as 2027.

For more information on this RFI and for proposal submission instructions, please visit the link below. Responses are due by 5 p.m. ET on Feb. 27, 2026.