The Space Development Agency (SDA) has announced a groundbreaking initiative, selecting AST SpaceMobile USA for a novel demonstration project. The objective is to utilize commercial satellites to establish direct communication with US military radios, thereby opening a new chapter in tactical connectivity strategy.
Strategic Investment in Space Technology
This partnership is formalized through a $30 million contract, marking the first allocation of funds under SDA’s HALO (Hybrid Acquisition for proliferated Low-earth Orbit) program, specifically Europa Track 2. The primary goal of this track is to validate the capabilities of commercial platforms in supporting tactical satellite communications, integrating innovative solutions into existing defense infrastructure.
The BlueBird Constellation: Pillar of „As-a-Service” Communications
AST SpaceMobile USA, based in Midlands, Texas, will deploy its BlueBird constellation of cellular broadband satellites to facilitate communications with military radios. The service will be offered on an „as-a-service” model, negating the need for massive proprietary infrastructure investments. The company already operates six BlueBirds in orbit, with a seventh preparing for launch later this month, further solidifying the network’s capacity.
Unlike traditional proprietary military satellite communications, AST SpaceMobile’s space-based architecture employs a software-defined „bent-pipe” structure. This design enables high-bandwidth data transport directly from low Earth orbit, offering enhanced flexibility and efficiency in the context of modern military operations.
The HALO Program: Two Paths to Future Communications
The HALO program, initiated by SDA in October 2024, initially selected a pool of 19 vendors to compete for awards across two distinct tracks. Europa Track 1 focuses on the development of two new satellites, with launches scheduled 12-18 months after contract awards. In contrast, Europa Track 2, under which the AST SpaceMobile contract was granted, is dedicated to demonstrating and evaluating existing commercial solutions through a series of extensive tests over a six-month period.
SDA representatives have confirmed that additional HALO program awards are anticipated in the near future, underscoring the agency’s commitment to exploring and integrating the most advanced commercial technologies to support national defense needs.
