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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Space Solutions Special Report
-
![Delivering Space Solutions - the Crucial Layer for Missile Defence (video)]()
Delivering Space Solutions - the Crucial Layer for Missile Defence (video)
Against the backdrop of rising ‘peer’ and regional state rivals, the role of space-based assets for effective missile defence will be critical.
-
![Why space-based assets are crucial for effective missile defence (Studio)]()
Why space-based assets are crucial for effective missile defence (Studio)
Adding a space layer to missile defence is not an optional extra – it is crucial.
-
![British Army embraces SlingShot]()
British Army embraces SlingShot
Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.
-
![Delivering Space Solutions - the New Digital Engineering Paradigm (video)]()
Delivering Space Solutions - the New Digital Engineering Paradigm (video)
Digital engineering is transforming the defence industry, from design to manufacturing.
-
![Digital engineering: a new era of manufacturing (Studio)]()
Digital engineering: a new era of manufacturing (Studio)
The digital engineering concept creates an environment where a single, digital source of truth empowers defence manufacturing.
-
![DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage]()
DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage
The MOESS programme intends to deploy a sovereign Australian tactical electromagnetic sensor capability, installed on a constellation of CubeSats. DEWC is developing a sensor that can conduct radar electronic support in defence-relevant radio frequency bands used by assets such as ships and aircraft.
