German optical communications company Mynaric has successfully delivered 84 laser terminals to York Space Systems and Northrop Grumman, marking a significant recovery after a challenging year of production difficulties. These deliveries support the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a satellite constellation designed to enhance global, low-latency communications for the U.S. military.
Of the 84 terminals, 42 have already been deployed into orbit. These units launched on September 10, 2024, aboard 21 York-built satellites, which are part of the initial “plane” of the SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer. Both York and Northrop Grumman have formally accepted the hardware, indicating a successful collaboration.
Industry observers noted the presence of terminals from both Mynaric and Skyloom Global on the York spacecraft, although York has refrained from discussing specific optical suppliers. The ability to integrate multiple vendors is critical for the SDA’s interoperability standards, which are essential for the agency’s concept of a mesh network that allows seamless data transfer across its satellite constellation.
This recent success reflects renewed momentum for Mynaric following a tumultuous year in 2024, characterized by supply chain disruptions that severely impacted production capabilities. The company had to reduce its financial guidance due to shortages of key components. A spokesperson for Mynaric stated, “We are currently averaging around six optical heads per week, with some weeks reaching double-digit output. Our target remains to consistently produce double-digit optical heads each week throughout the end of the year.”
Mynaric manufactures the CONDOR Mk3 optical terminal line, designed specifically for satellite constellations. An upgraded version, the CONDOR Mk3.1, is currently being developed for the SDA’s Tranche 2 satellites, which are expected to launch in approximately two years.
In addition to its production achievements, Mynaric has recently undergone a significant financial restructuring in Germany. This restructuring paved the way for Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Mynaric for $150 million. The acquisition was initially planned in March, but was delayed until the completion of the restructuring process, which transferred ownership to German investment firm JVF-Holding.
Optical communication terminals, often referred to as “laser links,” utilize focused beams of light to transmit data between satellites or from space to ground stations. These systems offer several advantages over traditional radio frequency links, including higher bandwidth, lower latency, and enhanced security. Within the SDA’s PWSA, interoperability among different manufacturers is crucial. This ensures that the various satellites function as a cohesive network, reducing dependency on any single vendor.
Both Mynaric and Skyloom have been certified by the SDA to meet these interoperability standards. Skyloom has also been increasing its output to York, having recently completed a second batch of 44 optical terminals for SDA spacecraft. The first batch has already been integrated into York’s satellites that launched on September 10, while the second set is slated for a mission in late 2025.
The SDA’s proliferated architecture relies on rapid scaling of production across multiple contractors, mitigating risks associated with reliance on a single supplier’s production issues. This collaborative approach enhances the robustness and resilience of the U.S. military’s satellite communication capabilities. As Mynaric continues to ramp up production, its recovery trajectory appears promising, positioning it as a key player in the evolving landscape of optical communications.
