Kepler Communication's first tranche of optically linked satellites.

WASHINGTON — Companies building an “internet for space” based on laser-linked satellites need to move beyond technical promise and demonstrate concrete use cases, industry executives said, as buzz around concepts like a “space data layer” accelerates across defense and space policy circles.

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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...