York Space Systems Secures Two US Space Force Task Orders for Space Data Network Programme

York Space Systems (NYSE:YSS) has been awarded two task orders under the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Data Network (SDN) programme, expanding its involvement in the development of advanced space-based communications and data transport infrastructure.

The Denver-based aerospace company said the awards cover a multi-vendor interoperability demonstration and the initial planning phase of an on-orbit Space Exchange Point demonstration.

Both projects are intended to support the Space Force’s efforts to develop integrated, high-capacity and low-latency data transport capabilities using commercially derived space technologies.

The new orders build on York’s existing participation in the SDN acquisition vehicle and involve the company’s spacecraft platform, payload integration and ground system capabilities.

First Task Order Focuses on Multi-Vendor Space Network Interoperability

The first award, designated Delivery Order 2 (DO2), covers York’s participation in a multi-vendor interoperability demonstration involving the SDN-Backbone constellation.

The demonstration will evaluate methods for connecting spacecraft and ground infrastructure through multiple data-exchange pathways.

The work is intended to help determine how different space and ground systems can communicate within a common network architecture, supporting the integration of equipment and technologies supplied by multiple providers.

Interoperability is an important consideration for space-based communications networks, particularly where satellites, payloads and ground systems must exchange information across different platforms.

Under DO2, York will contribute to the assessment of approaches that could enable data to move between interconnected systems without relying on a single equipment supplier or communications pathway.

The demonstration forms part of the broader SDN programme’s development activities, which aim to improve the connectivity and integration of space-based data transport infrastructure.

Second Award Supports Space Exchange Point Demonstration Planning

The second contract, Delivery Order 3 (DO3), covers Phase A of an on-orbit Space Exchange Point (SEP) demonstration initiative.

Under this award, York will support the definition of interfaces between spacecraft buses and payloads, alongside planning for payload integration.

The work will include the preparation of technical and planning materials intended to inform a potential subsequent phase involving on-orbit prototyping.

Spacecraft bus-to-payload interfaces define how a satellite’s supporting systems connect and interact with mission-specific equipment.

Establishing common interface approaches could simplify the integration of different payload technologies across spacecraft platforms.

York’s role in the initial phase will focus on defining these requirements and supporting integration planning rather than conducting the on-orbit demonstration itself.

“These efforts are intended to help inform approaches for integrating payload capabilities through common interfaces,” said Melanie Preisser, executive vice president and general manager of York Space Systems.

The company indicated that the work could contribute to future decisions about how Space Exchange Point capabilities are integrated and demonstrated in orbit.

However, progression to a subsequent prototyping phase remains a potential future step rather than a confirmed element of the current award.

Space Data Network Programme Targets High-Capacity Communications

The Space Data Network is a US Space Force initiative focused on developing integrated space-based data transport capabilities with high capacity and low latency.

The programme seeks to incorporate commercially derived technologies into communications infrastructure that can support the exchange of information between spacecraft and ground systems.

Its development activities include evaluating network interoperability, payload integration and architectural approaches for connecting different elements of a space-based communications system.

York’s latest task orders address two of these areas, with DO2 concentrating on network connectivity and DO3 supporting the technical groundwork for future on-orbit demonstrations.

Chief Executive Officer Dirk Wallinger said the awards provide an opportunity for York to apply its experience in spacecraft platforms, payload integration and ground systems to the programme’s development objectives.

The contracts also extend the company’s existing involvement in the SDN acquisition framework, reinforcing its participation in the Space Force’s ongoing evaluation of commercial space technologies.

For York, the awards represent additional work within a US government programme focused on the development of next-generation space communications infrastructure.

The company has not disclosed the financial value of either task order, the expected duration of the work or a timetable for any subsequent on-orbit demonstration.

The latest awards nevertheless expand York’s role in the SDN programme as the Space Force continues assessing technologies and integration methods for more interconnected space-based data networks.

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