MIT Lincoln Laboratory is open.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is open.

Yes

Communication Systems - Protecting U.S. military communications capabilities

Communication Systems

We develop advanced systems and technology to enable the next generation of communications networks. Our work explores how to make satellite communications more resilient, how to make longer and faster laser datalinks to space, and how to improve tactical radios for soldiers.

Communication Systems - Protecting U.S. military communication capabilities

Communication Networks and Analysis
Laser Communications
Optical and Quantum Communications
Strategic and Long-Range Communications
Tactical Edge Communications
Tactical Satellite Communications

How can we enable timely and automated data sharing across space, air, and surface platforms operating over vast distances? Researchers in our group develop technologies, algorithms, and architectures to provide resilient and interoperable communications across the joint force.

A NASA spacecraft with a callout to a laser communications system.

In the Media

NASA laser terminal enhances views during Artemis II mission

Apr 28

NASA Laser Terminal Enhances Views During Artemis II Mission

An artist visualizes a laser communications terminal sending data over infrared light links.

In the Media

How Artemis II is beaming back stunning video from the moon

Apr 5

How Artemis II is beaming back stunning video from the moon

A spacecraft launches.

Lincoln Laboratory laser communications terminal launches on historic Artemis II Moon mission

Apr 1

A schematic showing links between small uncrewed aerial vehicles and ground vehicles.

sensing

Precision Clock Synchronization for Advanced Sensing

Combined quantum networking and lasercom optical signaling techniques could impact advanced sensing applications such as geolocation with distributed systems.

A schematic showing the Earth with many satellite links.

satellite communications (SATCOM)

Networking for a New Era of Global Satellite Connectivity

Large constellations of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) allow for unparalleled global coverage but require new networking approaches.

A prototype reflectarray faces a feed horn in an anechoic chamber.

communications

Mitigating cellular network congestion through adaptive beamforming with reflectarrays

A low-cost, reconfigurable radio receiver architecture provides an alternative approach to filter out unwanted transmissions in millimeter-wave (MMW) signals.

A schematic showing optical ground terminals and satellites transmitting data via lasercom links across the Earth and to the Moon.

laser communications

Guiding Light in Air-Filled Fibers for Long-Distance Lasercom

A new type of fiber could transmit the high-power light needed for future deep-space science and exploration missions.

I joined the Lab to do research and develop technology that is unmotivated by profit, pushes the bounds of human understanding, and benefits all.

Michael Craton

Antenna and Microwave Engineer

Communication Systems

Tactical Satellite Communications

A photograph of Michael Craton standing in front of a reflectarray antenna.

I joined the Laboratory in 2011, and it's been the capstone of my career.

Richard Kaminsky

Control Systems Engineer

Communication Systems

Optical and Quantum Communications

A photograph of Richard Kaminsky.

I take pride in being able to communicate my work and its significance in a way that is accessible to a wide audience.

Rachel Sampson

Optical Engineer

Communication Systems

Communication Networks and Analysis

A portrait photograph of Rachel Sampson.

It’s gratifying to be driven not by profits or citation counts but rather by the improvement of the country.

Eric Bersin

Electrical Engineer

Communication Systems

Optical and Quantum Communications

An outdoor portrait photograph of Eric Bersin.

May

19 - 21

Lincoln Laboratory Communications Workshop (LLCW) 2026

MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, Massachusetts

Leadership

View the leadership of the Communication Systems research area.

View Leadership

Impact of interconnected architectures on near-term quantum algorithms

Jun 1

Capacity-based analysis of physical-layer and link-layer techniques for reliable communication over free-space optical fading channels

Jan 23

Covariance estimation with scanning arrays: FY23 RF Systems Technical Investment Program

Dec 21

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Report TIP-194

More Publications

View the biographies of members of the Communication Systems research area.

View biographies

Flight Test Facility

Flight Test Facility

Twenty-five members part of the development team for the Multi-Band Test Terminal and Protected Anti-Jam Tactical SATCOM gather inside the antenna's radome.

Multi-Band Test Terminal

Optical equipment is housed under a clean tent.

Optical Terminal Verification Testbed

More Facilities

Discover the exciting and challenging opportunities in Communication Systems.

See Opportunities