Space Force Initiates Experiments for MEO SATCOM with Commercial Bandwidth
The Space Force is testing commercial narrowband satellites for future MEO SATCOM capabilities, aiming for initial launch by 2030. This effort seeks to enhance communication interoperability and may reshape satellite architecture.
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The Space Force is pursuing experiments to evaluate commercial narrowband satellite capabilities for medium-Earth orbit (MEO). A notice issued on July 24 seeks bandwidth from commercial satellites for upcoming tests, with an emphasis on an Initial Launch Capability (ILC) by 2030.
These experiments aim to explore interoperability between commercial MEO satellites and existing geosynchronous orbit spacecraft, potentially leading to a hybrid architecture. Currently, the Space Force relies on its Mobile User Objective System for secure narrowband communications.
A recent $2 billion contract with Boeing will develop two additional MUOS satellites, bridging current capabilities with future architecture. The Space Force's fiscal 2027 budget indicates plans to launch a prototype by fiscal year 2030 while designing ground and space segment prototypes and procuring necessary components.
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