A Massachusetts-based small business may help pave the way for futuristic high-speed communication between satellites and service members in the field.

With the backing of an Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, Physical Sciences Inc. developed an optical receiver platform for use in satellite-based, high-speed communications systems. Its compact size, low weight and low-power consumption are key features that may eventually simplify deployment of space-based communications systems.

This advancement is directly applicable to military space communications systems in the planning stages and could also enable cost-effective commercial space-based communications links envisioned as a supplement to long-haul fiber optic communication links.