Application Layers

Mission-level solutions that integrate NantNova's electronics, photonics, and SatLight™ hardware into complete operational capabilities — from SDA-compliant optical data transport to defense tracking, satellite navigation, and multi-domain ground station infrastructure.

Transport — OCT for SDA

The Transport layer delivers SDA-interoperable optical data links across LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations using NantNova's SatLight™ OCT terminals. Supporting both System A (25G/100G 3GPP fronthaul) and System B (2.5G SDA compliant) configurations, the layer handles multi-protocol routing across free-space photonic links spanning satellite-to-satellite, satellite-to-ground, terrestrial, and underwater domains.

Addressing a market projected to grow from $7.2B (2024) to $14.5B by 2033, the Transport layer targets the 20,000–80,000 OCTs per year demand with DARPA Space-BACN cost objectives and 100G/200G data rates for dense constellation deployments.

  • SDA 4.0 Layer 1 & Layer 2 interoperability
  • 2.5 Gb/s OOK-NRZ with 3GPP 5G NR LDPC FEC
  • Multi-protocol: SDA, OISL, CCSDS, NASA Optical, 3GPP
  • LEO crosslinks up to 6,000 km range
  • Scalable 2.5G → 25G → 100G → 200G data rates
  • Multi-domain: satellite, ground, terrestrial, underwater
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Tracking — LDR for Shields

The Tracking layer integrates NantNova's Pulsed Doppler LiDAR (LDR) with fused sensor suites for defense tracking and engagement. Combining radar detection, electro-optical (EO) tracking, and infrared (IR) tracking into a unified sensor fusion pipeline, the system provides precision range and velocity data for fire-control solutions from detection through engagement.

Supporting the full engagement chain — detection, cue & slew, fine track & ranging, fire-control solution, and engagement — the Tracking layer leverages INS+GPS fusion with the LDR's 10 km range for precision targeting across drone, rocket, artillery, and cruise missile threat classes.

  • Fused sensor suite: Radar + EO + IR detection
  • LDR 10 km range with Pulsed Doppler / FMCW
  • INS+GPS fusion for fire-control solutions
  • Full engagement chain: detect → track → engage
  • Threat coverage: UAV, rockets, artillery, cruise missiles
  • Integrated LaDar with each defense node
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Support — Ground Infrastructure

The Support layer provides the ground-based infrastructure connecting NantNova's space assets to terrestrial networks. Built on SatLight™ GND terminals with 10–50 km terrestrial FSO range and LEO downlinks up to 6,000 km, the layer bridges satellite constellations to mission operations through multi-domain connectivity spanning DISK satellites, HAPS relays, UAV nodes, and ground stations.

Compatible with SDA, OISL, CCSDS, and 3GPP fronthaul protocols, the Support layer integrates into existing telecom ORAN architectures — enabling seamless data transport from LEO orbit to end-user networks with full protocol translation and routing.

  • SatLight™ GND terminals: 10–50 km FSO range
  • LEO downlink support up to 6,000 km
  • Multi-layer: DISK ↔ HAPS ↔ UAV ↔ Ground
  • SDA, OISL, CCSDS, 3GPP protocol routing
  • ORAN-compatible telecom integration
  • Mission operations and network management
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Ready to Deploy Your Application?

From optical data transport to ground infrastructure, NantNova's application layers deliver mission-ready capabilities with SDA interoperability and 100% US supply chain traceability.