AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), global manufacturer of all-domain defense technologies and mission-critical space capabilities, today announced a nearly $240M order for its long-haul laser communications terminals from an undisclosed customer who will deploy the systems on orbit.

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AV secures $240M contract award for its long-haul laser communications terminals [Credit: AV]

AV’s long-haul laser communications terminals have demonstrated multi-orbit, space-to-space satellite crosslink capabilities while operating in the complex challenges of space environments, including jitter, extreme temperatures, and the absence of atmosphere. The systems offer new capabilities for transferring high-bandwidth data in space–enabling the secure exchange of more data at a faster rate across further distances, including LEO, MEO, GEO orbits, and beyond.

“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, AV completed a successful two-terminal long-haul, multi-orbit laser communication system demonstration and announced its manufacturing readiness for orbit. The achievement marks a significant breakthrough in the development of space-based laser communication technology with far-reaching implications for commercial sectors.

AV's laser communication terminals are suitable for satellite bus providers, offering a longer range, greater accuracy, and higher reliability for free-space optical communications. The capability builds upon and advances systems previously developed and deployed by AV, many of which remain in orbit today.

About AV

AV (NASDAQ: AVAV) is a defense technology leader delivering integrated capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The Company develops and deploys autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-UAS technologies, space-based platforms, directed energy systems, and cyber and electronic warfare capabilities—built to meet the mission needs of today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s conflicts. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers proven systems and future-defining capabilities at speed, scale, and operational relevance. For more information, visit www.avinc.com.

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“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."