US Department of Defense continues to build a hybrid satellite architecture (Hybrid Space Architecture, HSA) - Initiatives, designed to integrate commercial satellite networks with the military for prompt and safe exchange of data on the battlefield. More than a dozen companies have been involved in the project, including leaders in the fields of satellite communication, Cyber Security, quantum encryption and cloud calculations.
About this 12 May Defense Innovation Unit reported (GOD) - US Defense Ministry Innovation Unit, located in Silicon Valley, specializing in the integration of civilian technologies into military infrastructure. The US Air Force Aerospace Research Laboratory also participates in the program (Affl), US Space Force and other structures.
The new list of companies includes: Capella Space, OneWeb Technologies, Lockheed Martin Space, Viasat, SES Space & Defense, SkyFi, EdgeCortix, Eutelsat America, Fairwinds Technologies, Skycorp, Ursa Space, as well as others.
They joined eight companies, involved in 2022 year, including Amazon Web Services, Google, Palantir, Planet Labs, Astranis, Your Microsoft Android.
Instead of traditional defense contracts, DIU uses alternative transaction agreements (Other Transaction Agreements, OTA) — a model of public-private partnership, which requires companies to first create and test prototypes, usually sharing the cost with the government.
The purpose of the program is to build an infrastructure with global coverage, capable of processing, encrypted and transmit tactical information in real time even in cyberattacks, bad weather or technical failures. Data will be able to pass through commercial and military communication channels, while maintaining availability and security.
The first live demonstrations of the HSA system are planned for the summer 2025 year in key geographic regions — the Indo-Pacific region, Europe, Central Asia and South America. To 2026 it is planned to create a functional version of the hybrid satellite network.
Expected, that this system will allow the military to receive tactical intelligence without the need for specialized equipment or numerous terminals, that will become a key advantage in modern combat conditions. Among the main elements of the system are constant sensing, Calculation on board, Data merging and a stable information transmission system.
Source: https://spacenews.com/pentagon-taps-more-firms-to-build-commercial-military-satellite-network/