General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems signed an agreement with the Space Development Agency to conduct experiments for optical inter-satellite links using the company’s laser communication terminals. Credit: GA-EMS

WASHINGTON — Optical communications terminals that use lasers to beam data across space will be tested in upcoming experiments by the Space Development Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...