The Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) has been developed to enhance the interoperability of various satellite communication systems. This innovative technology aims to allow space missions to seamlessly operate across multiple networks, ultimately making future communications more adaptable and robust.
Advancing Multi-Network Space Communication
Launched on July 23, 2025, aboard York Space Systems' BARD spacecraft, PExT was designed to showcase how wideband communication technology can enable spacecraft to transmit data through both government and commercial relay networks.
Unlike traditional spacecraft communications, which are typically confined to a single network, PExT employs the widely utilized Ka-band spectrum. This allows for the transfer of data across various satellite systems.
By December 2025, the project's main objectives were achieved, with successful data transmissions to Earth via NASA's Tracking and Relay Satellite system and commercial networks operated by Viasat and SES Space and Defense.
Following these accomplishments, NASA initiated an extended operations phase in January 2026.
Direct Communication Testing with Earth
The next phase involves testing direct communication links between the spacecraft and Earth using SSC Space's global ground station network. This demonstration aims to establish over 50 direct connections with Earth through a partner ground station located in Weilheim, Germany.
These tests are intended to illustrate how future missions could utilize relay satellites when necessary or connect directly with ground stations. Such capabilities promise to enhance coverage, boost reliability, and improve operational efficiency.
Innovative Software for Space Communication Management
Nasa is collaborating with Aalyria Technologies to showcase enterprise service operations using the Spacetime software platform. This management system offers a unified approach to planning, managing, and delivering communication services across multiple missions through a shared software environment.
This initiative builds on years of cooperation between Aalyria and the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit, under the Hybrid Space Architecture program. This program, led by the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to create a more interconnected and interoperable space communications ecosystem, allowing government and commercial satellite systems to function together seamlessly.
NASA's involvement allows it to leverage investments made to enhance the Spacetime framework while also building on previous work from the agency's NextSTEP-2 program.
Supporting Future NASA Endeavors
This project is managed by NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Beyond the current demonstrations, this work supports NASA's larger initiative to develop and validate commercial communication architectures that could facilitate missions in low Earth orbit and eventually beyond.
