Adaptive Communication System

Space Systems Loral, located in Palo Alto CA, is developing a satellite communications system that includes satellites and a communications relay aircraft, such as a UAV, adapted for flying at altitudes above clouds. The aircraft uses laser communication with the satellites and radio frequency communication with RF equipment on ground level.
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has awarded contracts to Ball Aerospace and Space Systems Loral to develop designs for a privately funded satellite to track methane emissions.