Free Space Optics
High-capacity communications for the electronic warfare environment
The next frontier for net-centric connectivity
As peer and near-peer adversaries have developed Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities that can detect, disrupt, and degrade traditional communications networks, technologies like Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) are rapidly emerging as reliable and resilient alternatives for connectivity in contested environments. By leveraging Viasat's commercial innovation in ASIC modem design and development and security experience in network encryption, our FSOC system delivers a significantly higher range and throughput than existing solutions in the tactical environment - making it a coveted and covert communications component for any operational scenario.
Mercury Free Space Optics benefits
Greater regulatory flexibility
Does not rely on the use of heavily regulated radio frequency spectrum
High capacity
Provides a robust, persistent link of up to 20 Gbps, at a range of up to 70 km in multi-channel approach
LPI/LPD
Highly resistant to jamming, spoofing and electro-magnetic interference (EMI) compared to RF systems
Free Space Optics
Separate acquisition beacon and SWIR camera, allowing autonomous acquisition, pointing and tracking for Comms-on-the-pause (COTP) and Comms-on-the-move (COTM)
FSOC Terminal for the tactical edge
Viasat’s Mercury FSOC Terminal enhances warfighter communications in a spectrum-congested/contested environment
Enabled for multiple expeditionary communications environments including Ground-to-Ground, Ground-to-Air, Ship to-Ship, and Ship-to-Shore, FSOC evolves line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications with distributed cloud access across jam resistant, high-capacity network links. Viasat's Mercury FSOC solution is designed to be highly mobile and simple to use, making it easier for service members to deploy and for the system to stay aligned and linked to the distant end terminal.
Specifications
Physical
- Size 23.2" x 24.8" x 24.3"
- Weight <100 lbs
- Power 48 VDC, 200W peak
Performance
- Data Rates of up to 20 Gbps bidirectional
- Up to 50 km for terrestrial point-to-point links
Environmental
- Operating Temperature -30°C to 55°C
- Enclosure Outdoor/Marine MIL-STD-810 compliant
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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.