The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has selected Aalyria to evaluate its Spacetime network orchestration software as part of a broader effort to develop a future “network of networks” for military space communications, the organizations said on Thursday.
The selection was made under the Space Data Network Experimentation (SDNX) program run by the Air Force Research Laboratory through its Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development initiative. The program is aimed at exploring new architectures that integrate spacecraft, ground infrastructure and advanced communications links in support of joint military operations.
Under the SDNX effort, Aalyria will conduct a focused technical study with AFRL to assess how its Spacetime software aligns with the Space Data Network vision. The work will evaluate capability gaps, integration requirements and potential paths toward future experimentation and possible operational use.
The activities will be carried out under AFRL’s Space Technology Advanced Research Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware initiative, known as STAR-FISH, which supports research and development in space-related signal, energy and transportation technologies for national defense.
“SDNX is about proving that a truly hybrid, federated Space Data Network is ready to move from concept toward reality,” said Brian Barritt, chief technology officer at Aalyria. “Spacetime was built specifically to orchestrate large, dynamic constellations and directional links across land, sea, air, and space.”
AFRL said the experiment will help inform how software-driven orchestration could support resilient, mission-aware connectivity by dynamically managing multiple networks and communication pathways. The study is expected to feed into future experimentation efforts led by the U.S. Space Force as it looks to modernize space-based data transport for military users.
