US Air Force eyes multi-orbit SATCOM capabilities
The branch intends to integrate government, military and commercial SATCOM. (Photo: US Space Force)
The service is interested in the benefits it can provide such as network throughput, low latency, and resiliency for encrypted and non-encrypted communications.
The US Air Force (USAF) has been increasing efforts to improve its satellite communications (SATCOM) using multi-orbit capabilities in order to enable its aircraft fleet to operate and succeed in contested, congested environments.
Under the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) programme, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has been working on the development of a SATCOM network which can integrate government, military and commercial constellations and bandwidth.
One of its goals is to provide path-agnostic communications enabled by a resilient, low-latency broadband connectivity capable of using both Ku- and Ka-band Geostationary (GEO), Medium (MEO) and Low-Earth Orbit
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Australia invests extra A$1.4 billion in MQ-28A Ghost Bat after successful missile fire test]()
Australia invests extra A$1.4 billion in MQ-28A Ghost Bat after successful missile fire test
The investment includes new contracts for six MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft, as well as provisional funds to invest in the development of a Block 3 prototype.
-
![US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy]()
US approves potential $4.7 billion missile and air defence system sales to Denmark and Italy
Italy could field the JASSM-ER for its combat aircraft including the F-35, while Denmark has been approved for AMRAAM and an Integrated Battle Command system procurement.
-
![Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026]()
Northrop Grumman to fly new Project Talon CCA by late 2026
The newly unveiled collaborative combat aircraft looks to strike a balance between capability and cost-effectiveness, according to the company.
-
![MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests]()
MBDA and Lockheed move closer to F-35A Meteor flight tests
Following the completion of successful ground tests, one more exercise remains before flight testing can begin.
-
![Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E]()
Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E
The major milestone for the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile was conducted in November and expands the capabilities of the air force’s growing Gripen E fleet.
-
![India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin]()
India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin
Engine technology has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week, with the Su-57, S-400 and Kamov-226 expected to be high on the agenda.
