ARLINGTON, VA, Sep 9, 2025 – AeroVironment has secured a contract worth nearly $240 million to deliver long-haul laser communication terminals designed for satellite crosslinks across LEO, MEO and GEO orbits. AV’s communications terminals have tested in extreme space conditions, including absence of atmosphere. The systems enable secure, high-bandwidth data transfer across long distances in space, linking satellites in LEO, MEO and GEO orbits.
“This contract moves our superior, next-generation long-haul laser communication terminals from the lab to orbit–a significant milestone not only for our team and this technology but for commercial space industry capabilities,” said Mary Clum, executive vice president of AV’s space and directed energy group. “Since validating the technology earlier this year, we’ve been internally investing in our manufacturing and scaling production to meet the demand signals we’re hearing from our customers. We’re ready to deliver and ready to show what these terminals can do in orbit.”
In March’2025, AV completed a two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system demonstration and announced its manufacturing readiness for orbit. This achievement advances space-based laser communication technology and is set to benefit commercial sectors.
AV’s laser communication terminals suit satellite bus providers. They deliver extended range, improved pointing accuracy, and increased reliability for free-space optical communications. The design builds on AV’s previously deployed systems, many of which are still operating in orbit.
Source: AeroVironment
About AeroVironment
AeroVironment, founded in 1971 by engineer Paul B. MacCready Jr., is a defense technology company that provides integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, the company develops and supports unmanned aircraft systems, loitering munitions, counter-drone technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare tools. Its portfolio includes the Raven, Puma and Switchblade platforms, which are used for surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike missions. AeroVironment serves defense, government and commercial customers in the United States and abroad, with a national manufacturing footprint and a pipeline of new technologies aimed at future conflicts. In fiscal 2025, the company reported revenue of about $820M, expanding international sales.