AST SpaceMobile demos first tactical NTN connectivity on mobile phones
AST SpaceMobile has announced the demonstration of the worlds first Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) tactical satellite communications delivering high-throughput data, voice, and video using unmodified mobile devices in collaboration with Fairwinds Technologies (a privately held company).
The field test showcased key defence-related use cases, including real-time connectivity to the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK, and secure multi-party video calls, all executed on standard, unmodified smartphones.
This milestone demonstration was conducted near AST SpaceMobiles gateway facility on Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), including representation from the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army, US Space Command, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) FutureG team.
AST SpaceMobile collaborated with Fairwinds Technologies on this demonstration. Fairwinds is a trusted partner providing programme integration and military tactical network support as AST SpaceMobile explores direct-to-device satellite communications for US government and defence applications.
This effort follows the recent award by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to the Fairwinds/AST SpaceMobile team under the Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative within DIUs Space Portfolio. The project is jointly supported by DIUs Cyber & Telecom Portfolio and aims to evaluate the viability of space-based direct-to-device communications for resilient, secure tactical networks in denied or austere environments.
Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial and Government Business Officer at AST SpaceMobile, said: 'This demonstration represents a significant leap forward in advancing resilient, secure communications capabilities for the U.S. defense community. We are proud to help enable a new layer of mobile connectivitydirectly from space to standard smartphones, with no need for specialized equipment, in support of national security objectives.'
Timothy Hillner, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Fairwinds Technologies, added: 'This is just the beginning. Were honored to collaborate with AST SpaceMobile and the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver next-generation communications at the tactical edge – precisely where and when theyre needed most. Together, were enabling the future of command and control.'
This was the first in a series of planned prototype demonstrations to evaluate space-based mobile broadband for defense applications, with additional testing, including over open ocean environments, planned in the coming months as the team continues to push the boundaries of multi-domain, space-based tactical communications.
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