In an era where securing communication channels is pivotal to military operations, the U.S. Space Force is actively exploring the future of narrowband satellite communications with a vision that promises enhanced security, resilience, and interoperability for military forces globally. This plan, which envisions a constellation of spacecraft in multiple orbits with state-of-the-art capabilities, points to a significant shift in the strategic approach to military communications in space.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation, currently consisting of four satellites and one spare built by Lockheed Martin, has been a backbone for cellular voice and data services for military users, thanks to its operation within a narrowband frequency range that ensures stability against adverse weather and challenging terrain. Yet, the Space Force is not resting on its laurels; it has recognized the need to evolve these capabilities to counter growing threats and leverage emerging technologies. “The U.S. military must preserve its asymmetrical advantage given a contested, degraded, and operationally limited space environment. The capabilities provided by narrowband SATCOM are critical to the US military and its allies and they must continue to evolve in order to address expanding needs, benefit from emerging technologies, and to mitigate future threats.”
The proposed upgrades include not only making the satellites more resilient and cost-effective but also deploying them on faster timelines. The Space Force is analyzing the shift to a medium Earth orbit (MEO), a significant change from the current geostationary orbit (GEO) positioning. The MEO offers a closer proximity between 1,200 and 22,000 miles above sea level, potentially providing benefits such as reduced latency in communications.
To maintain operational continuity through at least 2035, the Space Force plans to launch two additional satellites, intending to build a bridge to the future narrowband architecture. Awarding $66 million contracts to industry giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing for prototype designs, the service is slated to select a contractor by fiscal year 2026, with launches planned for fiscal year 2031.
“Continuation of these services to the current set of user terminals creates an opportunity to increase space segment resiliency on the path to a more capable and resilient architecture,” the service said. “Additionally, if there are software or hardware modifications that user terminals may have to consider in order to be supported from MEO, those should be identified in the response.”
The consideration of integrating commercial systems into the future narrowband architecture suggests a forward-thinking approach that could reshape the military’s dependency on government-owned capabilities. “The USSF will look to improve resilience through the integration of proliferated commercial networks into hybrid architectures and offset future investments in government-owned capabilities,” the Space Force declared in its commercial space strategy released in April.
Additionally, the Space Force is addressing concerns about interoperability with international allies, given the lack of government standards for components and interfaces, which could potentially hinder tech-sharing partnerships. Ensuring that standards are adopted, free from intellectual property constraints, especially for emerging technologies, is a priority that would not only bolster innovation domestically but also enable allies to enhance their capabilities.
With the service projecting a need for $2.5 billion between FY24 and FY28 for the program, indicating a significant focus on maintaining and advancing secure military communications in the years to come.
Relevant articles:
– Space Force eyes advanced tech, new orbits for narrowband SATCOM, C4ISRNet
– Space Force picks Boeing, Lockheed for narrowband SATCOM program, Defense News
– Lack of standards slows allied tech-sharing, Space Force official says, C4ISRNet
– Space Force reexamining acquisition strategy for secure narrow, Breaking Defense