Space Based Laser Technology - Can it Be Developed More Efficiently?

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has taken steps to develop laser communications technology but has not yet fully demonstrated it in space. SDA has planned for iterations of satellites and related systems to be launched every 2 years, referred to as tranches. SDA's demonstration tranche--referred to as Tranche 0 or T0--has faced development challenges and delays and has not demonstrated the capabilities expected from it. For example, SDA planned to launch the first T0 satellites in 2022 but launched them in 2023 and 2024. Further, this initial group of satellites has not yet fully demonstrated laser communications technology in space.