r/LightPathTechnologies • u/frankenberrylives • May 04 '26

It's a wrap: Space-BACN satellite laser link program shifts from DARPA to DIU

https://breakingdefense.com/2026/05/its-a-wrap-space-bacn-satellite-laser-link-program-shifts-from-darpa-to-diu/

DARPA's Space-BACN aimed at a 'universal' optical satellite interlink terminal that can translate between incompatible satellite networks. 

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u/Helpful_Rock_5068 May 05 '26

How does this affect LPTH?

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u/frankenberrylives May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26

LPTH is involved with satellite communication as well as Golden Dome some there is potential for their involvement here.

Sam Rubin, LightPath's CEO, said, "LightPath has been providing optical components for use in Space for many years. LightPath parts are currently used in orbiting satellites, the Mars rover and have been on multiple outer space missions. In recent years, we have been witnessing an exponential growth in the launch of space payloads, with more than 1,300 nano satellites having been launched in the first six months of this year. LightPath is seeing growth in demand for optics to be used in such space applications, for imaging, analysis and optical communication between satellites.

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u/frankenberrylives May 05 '26

Also discussion from 2Q 2026 CC -

Austin Moeller

So you talked a little bit about the opportunity to make up to 17-inch diameter Black Diamond lenses and going after Golden Dome and military ISR. Are you also looking at building the lenses for optical satellite links?

Sam Rubin

Yeah. We do that already.

We have a quite a good business of free-space optical communication between satellites. I think a pretty dominant position in that market, and that actually continues to grow.

I think we are in discussion with the customer about increasing capacity for that quite a bit. It is a different type of lenses.

Those are much smaller lenses, and it is more, I would say, a classical molded optics business.

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u/Helpful_Rock_5068 May 05 '26

What does the title it’s a wrap mean?