The US Space Forces are closely monitoring the advancements in satellite Internet technology from SpaceX (Starlink) and their competitors. Starlink recently demonstrated successful direct connectivity to cellular networks, allowing users to communicate directly with the satellite constellation using ordinary smartphones, bypassing the need for traditional ground infrastructure.
According to SpaceNews, this technological development could revolutionize military communication systems, enabling instant deployment of secure communication channels globally. The utilization of large commercial satellite constellations alongside direct access through civilian smartphones has the potential to enhance fault tolerance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of military networks.
At the Milsatcom USA conference held on June 10, Colonel Eric Felt, Director of Space Architecture at the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, highlighted the significant impact of such services on the US Space Forces. Felt emphasized the disruptive nature of direct cellular network connectivity and its implications for narrow-band communication services.
Commercial technologies offering direct cellular connectivity parallel the capabilities of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), which facilitates secure voice and data communications for US mobile forces. To enhance the existing MUOS system composed of five geostationary satellites, the US Space Forces plan to procure two new narrow-band communication satellites from Lockheed Martin or Boeing, ensuring operational coverage until the 2030s.
Colonel Felt underscored the importance of monitoring developments in commercial satellite communication services, which may potentially replace MUOS in the future. The acquisition of new satellites will pave the way for transitioning to alternative solutions by the 2030s, necessitating the replacement of current MUOS terminals.
Additionally, Felt mentioned a new study conducted by the Space Warfighting Analysis Center, focusing on the exploration of narrow-band satellite architecture. The study evaluates various options and scenarios, with special attention given to the potential for direct cellular and 5G network connectivity from space.
Despite cybersecurity risks associated with such advancements, the immediate connectivity of troops without the need for specialized equipment may outweigh these concerns.