York Space Systems has successfully launched its BARD mission, marking a significant advancement in satellite communications. The mission, developed in collaboration with NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), aims to demonstrate the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT), an advanced communications payload designed to enable real-time interoperability between government and commercial satellite relay networks.
The BARD satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and initial contact was established on the first attempt, with all onboard systems reported as healthy and operating as intended. This mission is part of York's broader strategy to support NASA's transition toward a more commercially driven space communications infrastructure.
York Space Systems continues to expand its role in deploying innovative space-based capabilities, with plans for additional missions in the near future. The success of the BARD mission underscores the company's commitment to advancing satellite communications technologies and supporting national space initiatives.