United News of Bangladesh

NASA has successfully completed the main phase of an experimental communications mission that allows spacecraft to connect through multiple satellite networks, a breakthrough that could make future space missions more flexible and reliable. The project, called the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), is designed to improve communication between different satellite systems by enabling spacecraft to switch between government and commercial networks instead of relying on a single provider. PExT was launched on July 23, 2025, aboard York Space Systems' BARD spacecraft. The mission aimed to demonstrate how advanced communications technology can help spacecraft send and receive data through multiple satellite relay networks. Traditionally, spacecraft have depended on one communications network. However, PExT uses the widely adopted Ka-band spectrum, allowing data to be transmitted across different satellite systems. NASA completed the mission's primary goals in December 2025. During testing, the terminal successfully sent data to Earth through NASA's Tracking and Relay Satellite System as well as commercial networks operated by Viasat and SES Space and Defense. Following the successful tests, NASA launched an extended operations phase in January 2026 to explore additional capabilities and partnerships. As part of the next phase, NASA is testing direct communications between the spacecraft and Earth using SSC Space's global ground station network. The agency expects to complete more than 50 direct connections through a partner ground station in Weilheim, Germany. Officials say these tests will demonstrate how future spacecraft could either send data through relay satellites or communicate directly with ground stations, depending on mission needs. Such flexibility could improve coverage, increase reliability and make operations more efficient. NASA is also working with Aalyria Technologies to test enterprise-level management of space communications using the company's Spacetime software platform. The software is designed to help plan, manage and deliver communications services for multiple missions through a shared system. NASA hopes the technology will simplify operations, improve access to available services and provide more dependable communications support throughout a mission's lifespan. The effort builds on years of cooperation between Aalyria and the Defense Innovation Unit under the Hybrid Space Architecture program, which aims to create a more connected space communications network linking government and commercial satellite systems. The project is funded and managed by NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. NASA said the work will help develop and test commercial communications systems that could support future missions in low Earth orbit and eventually deeper space exploration. Source: Science Daily