From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: Space Based Laser Technology - Can it Be Developed More
Efficiently?

Description: The Space Development Agency (SDA) has taken steps to
develop laser communications technology but has not yet fully
demonstrated it in space. SDA has planned for iterations of satellites
and related systems to be launched every 2 years, referred to as
tranches. SDA's demonstration tranche--referred to as Tranche 0 or
T0--has faced development challenges and delays and has not demonstrated
the capabilities expected from it. For example, SDA planned to launch
the first T0 satellites in 2022 but launched them in 2023 and 2024.
Further, this initial group of satellites has not yet fully demonstrated
laser communications technology in space.

Related GAO Works: GAO-25-106838, Laser Communications: Space
Development Agency Should Create Links Between Development Phases

Released: February 2025

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DOD's Space Development Agency is developing a new satellite system
supported by laser communications technology.

The system may eventually provide advanced warfighting capabilities to
the DOD, like the ability to detect hypersonic missiles.

The first set of satellites was intended to demonstrate the laser
communication capability as part of a constellation. 

This first set launched behind schedule and hasn't fully demonstrated
the planned laser communications capabilities in space, but SDA still
plans to continue more development phases.

We recommend that SDA fully demonstrate laser communications
capabilities before increasing cost and complexity.

Find Out More @ GAO.gov

Image Credits: NASA, Adobe stock (PAOLO, Viewfinder, Ayesha, Image
Source RF) 

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For more info, check out our report GAO-25-106838 at: GAO.gov