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Space

Automated, Multi-Orbit Switching May Hold Promise for Bolstering U.S./Allied Military Communications

Frank Wolfe

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021

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Automated, Multi-Orbit Switching May Hold Promise for Bolstering U.S./Allied Military Communications

General Atomics' MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones carry the Hughes' HM400 software definable modem (General Atomics Photo)

Automated multi-orbit and multi-network switching may bolster U.S. and allied military communications in crises in which adversaries attempt to jam such communications and in geographical areas that encounter signal disruptions. Allowing such communications resilience for U.S. military aircraft and drones and ground operators was the aim of a recent demonstration by Honeywell [HON], SES, and Hughes. The companies said on Dec. 20 that airborne demonstrations used Honeywell’s JetWave MCX terminal with a Hughes HM-series modem, paired with SES satellites in…

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