Hughes Selected to Provide Modems and Multi-Orbit Auto-PACE Solution in Support of SES Space & Defense's US Air Force DEUCSI Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, a subsidiary of EchoStar, secured a contract from SES Space & Defense to provide a flexible, software-defined, multi-orbit, auto-PACE solution for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet program. The solution will support ground- and air-based testing using Ku- and Ka-band GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations, enhancing resilient broadband connectivity for various test scenarios. Hughes will deliver its NMS, EM&C capabilities, and Smart Network Edge software integrated with next-gen HM100 and HM400 satellite modems. SES Space & Defense will integrate a LEO solution, reinforcing the program's resilience. Hughes' expertise in SATCOM for government, defense, and enterprise sectors ensures cutting-edge technology for customers.

Telecommunications Expert

The contract awarded to Hughes Network Systems by SES Space & Defense signifies a strategic enhancement in satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities, particularly for defense applications. The introduction of a software-defined, multi-orbit, auto-PACE solution enables seamless integration of different satellite constellations, enhancing the resilience and flexibility of broadband connectivity. This is crucial for defense operations where reliable communication is vital, regardless of location or mobility. The utilization of both Ku- and Ka-band frequencies across GEO, MEO and LEO satellites ensures optimal frequency band usage, which is critical for overcoming limitations due to spectrum availability or atmospheric conditions.

The deployment of Hughes' automated Network Management System (NMS) and Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) capabilities, coupled with the Smart Network Edge software, represents a significant advancement in network management and control. This allows for more efficient allocation of resources, better network performance and reduced operational costs. The integration of next-generation, software-defined HM100 and HM400 satellite modems will provide enhanced GEO and MEO connectivity, which is expected to deliver improved data throughput and lower latency for end-users.

Defense Technology Analyst

The Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program, in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), emphasizes the U.S. military's increasing reliance on commercial SATCOM solutions for defense operations. The Hughes auto-PACE solution is particularly noteworthy for its potential to provide Comms on the Pause (COTP) and Comms on the Move (COTM) capabilities. These are essential for modern military operations that require constant and reliable communication channels, even in the most challenging environments. The ability to maintain connectivity while on the move or in a static position without manual intervention for network adjustments is a game-changer for battlefield communications.

Moreover, the integration of LEO solutions by SES Space & Defense into the Hughes offering is indicative of the growing trend towards the use of LEO constellations for defense communications. LEO satellites, due to their proximity to Earth, can offer lower latency and potentially higher data rates, which are critical for applications requiring real-time communication and data transfer. This multi-orbit approach aligns with the Department of Defense's strategic objectives to leverage commercial technologies to maintain technological superiority and enhance the resilience of its communication networks.

Market Analyst

The announcement of this contract could have a positive impact on EchoStar's financial performance, as it represents an expansion of Hughes' footprint in the government and defense sectors. The defense sector's demand for advanced SATCOM solutions is growing, driven by the need for robust and secure communication systems. Hughes' long-standing experience and innovation in satellite communications position it well to capture a significant share of this market.

The contract may also have broader implications for the satellite communications industry, signaling a shift towards more integrated and flexible network solutions. As government and defense entities increasingly look to commercial providers for next-generation capabilities, companies like Hughes that can offer comprehensive, multi-orbit solutions are likely to benefit. This could lead to increased competition and innovation within the sector, ultimately benefiting end-users with more advanced and reliable communication services.

The Hughes solutions will support both ground- and air-based proof of concept testing.

GERMANTOWN, Md., Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an EchoStar company (Nasdaq: SATS), today announced that SES Space & Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of SES, awarded Hughes a contract to provide a flexible, software-defined, multi-orbit, auto-PACE solution and associated modems in support of SES Space & Defense's and the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. The Hughes solution will enable resilient broadband connectivity using both Ku- and Ka-band Geostationary (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations for various Comms on the Pause (COTP) and Comms on the Move (COTM) test scenarios.

Under this contract, Hughes will deliver its automated Network Management System (NMS), Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) capabilities together with its Smart Network Edge software to be integrated by the SES Space & Defense team with Hughes next-generation, software-defined HM100 and HM400 satellite modems providing GEO and MEO connectivity. SES Space & Defense, which focuses exclusively on delivering satellite network solutions for governments, will integrate a LEO solution into the Hughes auto-PACE offering, adding further to the resilient nature of the ultimate program deliverable. 

"Multi-orbit, flexible networks deliver real-time communications to meet mission requirements across the battlefield, said Rick Lober, Vice President/General Manager, Hughes Defense and Government Systems Division. "Whether users need connectivity on the ground or in the air, resilient communications must be available using the frequency band and satellite system that is most effective for the application and location. Hughes appreciates the opportunity to continue working with SES Space & Defense and others on this program as the need for multi-orbit communications accelerates."

Hughes is a pioneer in SATCOM for government, defense, and enterprise use cases. With more than 50 years of experience in satellite communications, Hughes continues to advance the technologies and capabilities available to commercial and government customers.

For more information about the Hughes HM System, please visit the website.

About Hughes 

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar (Nasdaq: SATS) company, provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship internet service, HughesNet®, connects millions of people 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, mobile network operators and military customers. Hughes products and services have helped bring in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft for over twenty years. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports approximately half a million enterprise sites with its HughesON™ portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com or follow HughesConnects on Twitter and LinkedIn. 

©2024 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

What contract did Hughes secure from SES Space & Defense?

Hughes secured a contract to provide a flexible, software-defined, multi-orbit, auto-PACE solution for the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet program.

What satellite constellations will be used for testing in the program?

The program will utilize Ku- and Ka-band GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite constellations for ground- and air-based testing.

What solutions will Hughes deliver under the contract?

Hughes will deliver its NMS, EM&C capabilities, and Smart Network Edge software integrated with HM100 and HM400 satellite modems.

What is SES Space & Defense's focus in delivering satellite network solutions?

SES Space & Defense focuses exclusively on delivering satellite network solutions for governments.

What is Hughes known for in the SATCOM industry?

Hughes is a pioneer in SATCOM for government, defense, and enterprise use cases with over 50 years of experience.