General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications US, Inc. announced that they have successfully carried out a live demonstration of air-to-space optical communications. According to the companies, the test involved a GA-EMS optical terminal installed on an aircraft establishing a secure two-way link with a Kepler satellite in low Earth orbit, which follows the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 optical communications standard.

GA-EMS stated that during the demonstration, the system achieved pointing, acquisition, and tracking, allowing for continuous data transfer in both directions. The company explained that this technology is intended to improve the resilience and security of data exchange for operational and tactical missions.

Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS, emphasized that the successful test shows how airborne platforms can directly connect to space assets, closing communications gaps and providing faster, more secure information sharing. Gregg Burgess, Vice President of GA-EMS Space Systems, added that the event confirmed the reliability of SDA’s interoperability standard. He also noted that two more GA-EMS optical terminals are scheduled to fly on GA-75 spacecraft in 2026 to continue testing from orbit.

Kepler highlighted that this trial builds on its previous demonstrations of optical links and extends its capability by linking directly with aircraft in real time. Robert Conrad, President of Kepler, said the result proves how combining their satellite infrastructure with GA-EMS systems can deliver reliable, high-capacity connectivity across air and space.

Both companies underscored that the demonstration represents a step forward in expanding optical communications into new domains, with potential applications for defense and secure commercial services.