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Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN)

Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) is a program initiated by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aimed at revolutionizing space-based communications. Here are the key points about Space-BACN:

  1. Goal: The primary objective of Space-BACN is to create a reconfigurable, multi-protocol intersatellite optical communications terminal that is low in size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C)[1][2]. This terminal is designed to be easily integrated and capable of connecting heterogeneous satellite constellations that operate on different optical intersatellite link (OISL) specifications.
  1. Functionality: Space-BACN aims to develop low-cost, high-speed reconfigurable optical datalinks that can enable seamless communication between military/government and commercial/civil satellite constellations that currently cannot communicate with each other[1][4].
  1. Technical Specifications: The program has set ambitious goals, referred to as "100 cubed":

- 100 gigabits per second to support most optical standards

- 100 watts to minimize power consumption

- $100,000 per terminal to make it affordable[6]

  1. Program Structure: DARPA has divided the Space-BACN program into three technical areas:

- TA1: Developing a flexible, low SWaP-C optical aperture

- TA2: Creating a reconfigurable optical modem supporting up to 100 Gbps on a single wavelength

- TA3: Identifying critical command and control elements and developing schemas for cross-constellation communications[4][8]

  1. Applications: Space-BACN could enhance various operations, including search and rescue missions, disaster response, and military communications by providing immediate access to imagery and communications almost anywhere across the world[6].
  1. Industry Involvement: DARPA has selected multiple teams from academia, large corporations, and small tech companies to work on different aspects of the Space-BACN program[8].
  1. Timeline: The program is being conducted in phases, with Phase 1 lasting 14 months and Phase 2 expected to last about 20 months[4][5].

By creating this "internet" of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Space-BACN aims to eliminate communication barriers between different satellite systems, potentially transforming space-based communications and supporting various civil, commercial, and military applications.

Citations:

[1] https://www.darpa.mil/work-with-us/space-based-adaptive-communications-node

[2] https://www.darpa.mil/program/space-based-adaptive-communications-node

[3] https://galois.com/project/space-bacn/

[4] https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/space-bacn-sizzling-along-as-darpa-awards-phase-2-contracts-in-laser-link-project/

[5] https://www.telesat.com/press/press-releases/telesat-government-solutions-awarded-darpa-space-bacn-phase-2-contract/

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A56F3PvG35I

[7] https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2022SPIE11993E..0OK/abstract

[8] https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/darpa-launches-space-bacn/

[9] https://www.dote.osd.mil/News/What-DOT-Es-Following/Following-Display/Article/3352295/space-bacn-space-based-adaptive-communications-node/

[10] https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/darpa-selects-11-teams-first-phase-space-bacn

[11] https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/darpa-phase1-space-bacn-programme/

[12] https://www.popsci.com/technology/darpa-space-bacn-program/

[13] https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/news/intel-joins-darpa-space-bacn-program.html

[14] https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/mynaric-to-participate-in-darpa-space-bacn-program/