TC firm to prototype satellite communications system for U.S. Air Force

TC firm to prototype satellite communications system for U.S. Air Force

TRAVERSE CITY — ATLAS Space Operations Inc., a satellite communications service based in Traverse City, has been awarded a prototyping project with the U.S. Air Force’s Missile Systems Center and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Innovation Unit (DIU).

The project will increase capacity, flexibility, automation and resiliency of space operations and space lift, according to a statement from the company.

The competitively awarded prototyping program will run for 12 months and will deliver a complete satellite communications platform, called LINKS, tailored to U.S. Air Force requirements. LINKS will provide some alternatives to traditionally challenging equipment, like antennas, including the ability to communicate with multiple satellites simultaneously, tracking of space objects and providing enhanced data, according to the company.

“This development process and adherence to the Air Force’s high standards will ultimately lead to a product that will easily meet or exceed the requirements of the commercial sector down the road,” ATLAS CEO Sean McDaniel said in a statement.

Upon completion of the program, ATLAS will hold demonstrations of LINKS’ features, design and multi-mission capabilities to the DIU. The demonstrations will be held at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.