Multi-orbit SATCOM solution by Hughes selected for AFRL's DEUCSI initiative

Multi-orbit SATCOM solution by Hughes selected for AFRL's DEUCSI initiative
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 27, 2024

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes), an EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) affiliate, has secured a pivotal contract from SES Space and Defense, a subsidiary of SES, to deliver a sophisticated, software-defined satellite communications (SATCOM) solution tailored for the US Air Force's Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. This initiative, under the guidance of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is set to revolutionize defense communications by harnessing the power of commercial satellite internet across multiple orbits.

The contract entails Hughes providing its innovative multi-orbit, auto-PACE solution alongside advanced satellite modems, ensuring resilient broadband connectivity for the US Air Force. By utilizing a combination of Ku- and Ka-band frequencies across Geostationary (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, the Hughes solution is designed to support varied communications scenarios, whether stationary (Comms on the Pause, COTP) or mobile (Comms on the Move, COTM).

Key components of the Hughes offering include its automated Network Management System (NMS), Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) capabilities, and Smart Network Edge software. These technologies will be integrated with the next-generation, software-defined HM100 and HM400 satellite modems by the SES Space and Defense team, providing seamless GEO and MEO connectivity. Moreover, the integration of a LEO solution into Hughes' auto-PACE service underscores a commitment to delivering a truly resilient communications framework.

Rick Lober, Vice President and General Manager of Hughes Defense and Government Systems Division, emphasized the critical nature of multi-orbit, flexible networks in meeting the dynamic communication needs across the battlefield. Lober highlighted the importance of delivering real-time communications that are adaptable to the operational environment, ensuring that users have access to reliable connectivity regardless of their location or mission requirements.

Hughes' legacy as a pioneer in SATCOM solutions spans over five decades, with the company consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in government, defense, and enterprise communications. This latest collaboration with SES Space and Defense and the AFRL's DEUCSI program represents a significant milestone in the evolution of military communications, as it seeks to leverage commercial satellite capabilities to enhance operational efficiency and resilience.

For more information on Hughes' innovative solutions and their impact on military and governmental communications, interested parties are encouraged to visit Hughes' official website.

This partnership between Hughes and SES Space and Defense, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise, sets a new benchmark for the integration of commercial space internet into defense communications strategies. As the demand for multi-orbit communications continues to grow, this initiative promises to deliver unprecedented levels of connectivity and operational flexibility to the US Air Force and beyond.