‘Link-182’: The Pentagon Is Putting Together Space Comms for the Golden Dome

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The envisioned intra-satellite comms system for America’s space-based defenses will be faster and far more secure than one that relies on vulnerable ground stations.

The US Space Force has awarded an $11.8 million contract to BAE Systems for Link-182 radio—to demonstrate satellite-to-satellite communications to be used in the Golden Dome system. This award follows a recent $57 million contract award to private space giant SpaceX to build broader network infrastructure (MILNET).

Each contract is not about missiles themselves, but about building the data network that allows missile defense to function in real time. The hope is to have a successful capability demonstration by April 2027, roughly a year from now.

Why the Link-182 System Matters

Today’s missile defense architecture is heavily reliant on ground stations. Satellites detect missiles, send the data to Earth, the data is processed on the ground, and then........

© The National Interest