GERMANTOWN, Md. and
LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network
Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and SES today announced the
successful first demonstration of a new multi-orbit satellite
communications (SATCOM) capability for remotely piloted aircraft.
Conducted for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI),
the demonstration paired Hughes HM series software-defined modems
and Resource Management System (RMS) with SES's satellites that
operate in geosynchronous (GEO) and medium earth (MEO) orbits.
SES's unique multi-orbit fleet, which delivers global coverage,
high throughput and security, was leveraged to show how unmanned
aerial vehicles, such as the GA-ASI MQ-9 series, can maintain
crucial connectivity and resiliency, even in contested
environments.
We demonstrated 3X the throughput of currently deployed SATCOM
services using a terminal less than half the size.
The demonstration replicated a typical unmanned Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission, transmitting
high-definition video and sensor data to and from the unmanned
vehicle to the command center. Based on the mission's pre-set
policies, the RMS automatically switched the satellite signals to
stay connected – even when a signal experienced interference and
jamming scenarios. A quasi-instant and smooth beam switch took just
seconds to complete, allowing a near real-time capability that
enhances the military's Primary Alternative Contingency Emergency
(PACE) planning.
"Our multi-orbit demonstration for remotely piloted aircraft
delivered three times the throughput of the currently deployed
SATCOM service using a terminal less than half the size, while
maintaining constant connectivity," said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager,
Hughes Defense. "This highly resilient, significantly reduced SWAP
option for primary and secondary aero connections unlocks new
beyond-line-of-sight mission opportunities for unmanned aerial
vehicles like the GA-ASI MQ-9. It's another example of how Hughes
empowers our military to exchange information securely with the
right people at the right time."
"SES's second-generation MEO system, O3b mPOWER brings a new age
of game changing performance, scalability, and resilience that will
enable us to deliver the network sovereignty that governments are
looking for," said Will Tong, vice
president of Strategic Government Initiatives and Head of the Aero
ISR market at SES Networks. "The demonstration we did with Hughes
showcases the power of the industry's first multi-orbit networked
capability to exponentially increase performance utilizing small
terminals, while giving end-users the autonomy to provision
networks to meet their operational ISR needs. It also comes at a
perfect time as we are preparing to launch O3b mPOWER as the
showcased solution ensures both high-performance and multiple
layers of network resiliency and security for multi-domain
operations that involve moving platforms in remote, austere
locations."
The demonstration was powered by software-defined gateways and
modems from the Hughes HM System, a commercially based,
frequency-agnostic, open architecture platform for fixed, mobile
and portable government applications. For more information about
Hughes Defense solutions, including the HM System, visit
defense.hughes.com.
About SES
SES has a bold vision to deliver
amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest
quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around
the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions,
SES operates the world's only multi-orbit constellation of
satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high
performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium
Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent,
cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality
connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and
is a trusted partner to the world's leading telecommunications
companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and
cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and
content owners. SES's video network carries over 8,650 channels and
has an unparalleled reach of 361 million households, delivering
managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The
company is listed on Paris and
Luxembourg stock exchanges
(Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at:
www.ses.com.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network
Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and
multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years, provides
broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart,
software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for
millions of consumers, businesses, governments and communities
worldwide. The Hughes flagship Internet service,
HughesNet®, connects more than 1.5 million subscribers
across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers Internet
access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more
than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite
operators, in-flight service providers, mobile network operators
and military customers. A managed network services provider, Hughes
supports nearly 500,000 enterprise sites with its HughesON™
portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. Headquartered in
Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes
is owned by EchoStar. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com or follow
HughesConnects on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ:
SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication
solutions. Headquartered in Englewood,
Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is
a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes
Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments.
For more information, visit www.echostar.com. Follow
@EchoStar on Twitter.
©2021 Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar company. Hughes
and HughesNet are registered trademarks and JUPITER is a trademark
of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.
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SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC