SDA contracts GA-EMS to demonstrate space-to-air optical communication 03 Jun 2021 (Last Updated June 3rd, 2021 16:40) During the experiment, the LEO-based spacecraft will try to establish communication with an airborne MQ-9 UAV. Share Article LINCS spacecraft is being prepared for its delivery to Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral. Credit: General Atomics. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has received a contract to demonstrate space-to-air optical communication using its Laser Interconnect and Networking Communication System (LINCS) and a MQ-9 Reaper. The contract to conduct space-to-air optical communication experiment was awarded by the US Space Development Agency (SDA). SDA is the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) constructive disruptor for space acquisition.