NASA's PExT Begins Commissioning for Space Communications Demo

What's Happening?

NASA has initiated the commissioning of its Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), a pioneering space communications demonstration. The PExT payload, hosted on York Space Systems' Bard satellite, aims to facilitate communication across both government and commercial satellite networks. Following its launch on July 23, the satellite's systems have been verified, and the PExT payload commissioning will continue through September. This technology utilizes wideband terminals, which employ software-defined radios to dynamically switch frequencies, enhancing data transmission capabilities in space. Developed by NASA's Space Communications and Navigation Program and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, PExT represents a significant advancement in space communications technology.

Why It's Important?

The PExT demonstration is crucial as NASA transitions to commercial providers for near-Earth relay services, moving away from its traditional Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system. This shift necessitates interoperability between government and commercial networks, which PExT aims to achieve. The ability for missions to 'roam' seamlessly between different networks could revolutionize space communications, offering more flexible and efficient data transmission solutions. This development is part of NASA's broader strategy to commercialize space communications services, potentially reducing costs and increasing innovation in the sector.

What's Next?

As the PExT payload commissioning progresses, NASA will test its ability to send data through space while switching between various networks, including NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet and commercial networks like SES Space & Defense's O3b mPOWER and Boeing's High Capacity services on Viasat's Global Xpress. Successful demonstration of these capabilities could lead to widespread adoption of wideband terminals in future missions, enhancing communication efficiency and reliability.