Cubic Defense has won a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to advance Halo, a next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna designed for high-speed, multi-band, multi-orbit connectivity.
Halo is a software-defined antenna system designed to provide seamless and secure connectivity across multiple satellite networks. This offers the warfighter compact, power-efficient, and highly reliable SATCOM solutions.
The planned antenna can send and receive signals at the same time across different frequency bands while keeping backup network paths active. This lets users connect to both commercial and government satellite services.
The system is scalable thanks to its open standards architecture and ultra-low size, weight, and power design.
The agreement, running through July 2027, will see work conducted in San Diego.
Improving Next-Generation Satellite Communications Systems
Dan Moran, Vice President and General Manager of Cubic Secure Communications, said the award highlights the company’s progress and its ongoing commitment to providing the military with reliable and timely access to critical satellite communications.
The deal comes as the US military accelerates the development of next-generation SATCOM systems.
For instance, the Space Development Agency recently launched its first experimental tactical SATCOM satellite, “Dragoon,” four months ahead of schedule, to test data delivery capabilities from low-Earth orbit.
The Pentagon also plans to launch 133 more satellites over the next nine months to complete the build-out of its satellite network linking sensors with shooters.
