US Air Force, Utah State University to Make Cheaper Satellite Communications

Developing a lightweight, inexpensive satellite laser communications system is the goal of an educational partnership agreement between the US Air Force's Phillips Laboratory and Utah State University. Researchers will build and test a low-power laser telemetry system that allows satellite sensors to send information to ground-based processing stations. The system would allow manufacturers to build smaller satellites with lower power requirements, eliminating bulky on-board satellite transmitters. The Air Force also plans to use the technology to locate downed pilots via satellite.