Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and OneWeb, pioneers in satellite communications technology, have announced their selection by the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to demonstrate managed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications (SATCOM) services. This initiative aims to establish reliable connections from the Arctic region to global sites.
Under this collaboration, Hughes will test and implement end-to-end services using the OneWeb system at specific U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) locations. This marks a significant step towards leveraging LEO satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband access in the Arctic.
OneWeb Advances LEO Technology
Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Intelligence Systems Division at Hughes, noted, "This opportunity reinforces the relationship between Hughes and the U.S. Air Force to ensure resilient, flexible SATCOM networks for tactical, multi-domain operations." He highlighted the strategic importance of expanding connectivity in the Arctic, an area previously limited in its access.
Dylan Browne, head of Government Services at OneWeb, explained that their LEO satellite constellation is designed to enhance global connectivity, making it particularly suited for operations in the Polar region and beyond. "Working together with Hughes, we will bridge the gap in connectivity for NORTHCOM with an interoperable and secure solution," said Browne.
Development of Intellian Terminals
Hughes will take on the role of prime contractor for this service demonstration, spearheading adaptation, integration, testing, and management alongside OneWeb and Intellian, which is responsible for developing user terminals compatible with the OneWeb network. These new Intellian terminals will employ cutting-edge technology to offer a cost-effective solution for accessing high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity.
In addition, Hughes is tasked with engineering and producing the gateway equipment and user terminal core module under a separate agreement with OneWeb. This initiative aims to improve high-speed service delivery above the 50th parallel North, a region traditionally challenging to reach with other satellite services.
Addressing Connectivity Gaps
OneWeb's satellite network is specifically designed to provide global coverage and address connectivity gaps in the Arctic. With 182 satellites already launched and more planned within the year, OneWeb aims to extend its coverage to regions above the 50th parallel North by the end of 2021, thus ensuring much-needed communication capabilities in this underserved area. This deployment is a component of the U.S. Air Force's Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) programme.
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years, and OneWeb, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, today announced their selection by the U.S. Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) to demonstrate managed LEO satellite communications (SATCOM) services to connect the Arctic region to sites around the globe.
Under the agreement, Hughes will test and implement these end-to-end services on the OneWeb system between selected U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) locations, a first step in harnessing the power of LEO satellites for high-speed, low-latency broadband access in the Arctic.
OneWeb to bring LEO innovation
“This opportunity reinforces the relationship between Hughes and the U.S. Air Force to ensure resilient, flexible SATCOM networks for tactical, multi-domain operations,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Intelligence Systems Division at Hughes.
“We look forward to partnering with OneWeb to bring LEO innovation into the military SATCOM enterprise, especially in the strategic Arctic region where connectivity has been limited—until now.”
OneWeb constellation
Hughes will lead adaptation, integration, testing and ongoing management of this service
“The OneWeb constellation has been designed to enable low-latency broadband access across the globe, allowing connectivity in previously unreached areas—a capability that is ideal for tactical, multi-domain operations in the Polar region and beyond,” said Dylan Browne, Head of Government Services with OneWeb.
“Working together with Hughes, we will bridge the gap in connectivity for NORTHCOM with an interoperable and secure solution.”
New Intellian terminals
As the prime contractor on the project, Hughes will lead adaptation, integration, testing and ongoing management of this service demonstration with OneWeb and Intellian, who are developing user terminals for use on the OneWeb network.
Designed for ease of installation, the new Intellian terminals will utilise next-generation technology to provide a cost-effective system to access the low-latency, high bandwidth connectivity offered by OneWeb.
Other types of satellite services
Hughes is engineering and producing the gateway equipment and user terminal core module
Under a separate agreement with OneWeb, Hughes is engineering and producing the gateway equipment and user terminal core module, making the company a logical choice for enabling high-speed, low-latency services above the 50th parallel North, an area that has been difficult to connect with other types of satellite services.
The DoD contract is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program.
Building secure communications
OneWeb’s network was designed for global coverage and is uniquely capable in its ability to deliver much-needed connectivity services to the Arctic.
With 182 satellites launched to date and regular 2021 launches planned and on-track, OneWeb will be able to deliver coverage to the 50th parallel North and above by the end of 2021, bridging a long-standing connectivity gap and building secure communications capability in an underserved region.
