Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM
Starlink from SpaceX is an option for future military SATCOM As A Service. (Photo: SpaceX)
Commercial satellite constellations may find favour with the DoD for low Earth orbit solutions.
In October 2020, the US Space Force Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO) launched a tender demanding a commercial SATCOM solution that could be leased from industry as a service.
This SATCOM As A Service (SCAAS) concept is a relatively new departure for the DoD, which has traditionally relied on a fleet of dedicated military satellites to support expeditionary missions around the world.
According to industry sources, the latest request for information from the CSCO looks preferably upon low Earth orbit (LEO) SATCOM solutions to enhance the connectivity of force components spread around the globe, instead of a historic reliance upon
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