York Space Systems extends NASA communications mission through 2027

York Space Systems (NYSE: YSS) announced that NASA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory have extended operations of the Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) demonstration through 2027, following completion of BARD mission objectives in 2025.

The PExT payload, launched in July 2025, operates as a wideband multilingual communications terminal in Low Earth Orbit. Since launch, the mission has completed more than 100 on-orbit communication activities, demonstrating connectivity with NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system and validating interoperability across multiple commercial Ka-band relay networks.

The demonstrations showed the feasibility of seamless roaming between government and commercial communications services, enabling future missions to transfer commanding, telemetry, and science data without exclusive reliance on government systems. The work supports development of distributed networks using multiple spacecraft rather than relying on a small number of large relay satellites.

The 12-month extension enables expanded demonstrations throughout 2026 and into early 2027, including increased interoperability testing and direct-to-Earth communications with commercial ground service providers.

"PExT is delivering exactly what demonstration missions are meant to prove: real capability on orbit," said Melanie Preisser, executive vice president and general manager of York. "The extension reflects strong on-orbit performance and allows us to further advance flexible communications architectures that combine government and commercial networks."

York is implementing mission tasking automation enhancements to support additional demonstrations, including expanded direct-to-Earth testing with commercial providers. The company developed and executed the mission in collaboration with NASA and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

The information is based on a company press release statement.

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