GAO: DOD Should Pause Further Satellite Laser Link Investments
DOD should pause further investment in intersatellite laser link technology until it demonstrates that it works, the Government Accountability Office said Wednesday. GAO said an initial tranche of satellites produced by the Space Development Agency that employ laser tech have yet to demonstrate all the planned communications capabilities, yet the agency has awarded almost $10 billion in contracts for two more tranches of satellites. GAO said DOD concurred with its recommendation that the space agency should demonstrate laser communications capabilities before making further investments in subsequent tranches.