Hughes Network Systems has secured a US Air Force research contract to explore new approaches for managing hybrid satellite communications networks combining military, allied, and commercial systems.
The award comes through the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) program, which supports experimentation with new technologies aimed at improving the resilience and flexibility of future military communications.
Developing Hybrid Space Data Networks
Hughes will study hybrid, layered networks capable of routing data across both space-based and terrestrial infrastructure.
The work will focus on maintaining connectivity in contested or degraded environments, where traditional communications systems may be disrupted.
The project will also explore software-defined networking approaches to dynamically manage bandwidth and route data across multiple communication domains.
These capabilities could help sustain connectivity between command centers, deployed forces, and assets operating at the tactical edge.
The research builds on broader US defense efforts to improve satellite network management, including the Department of Defense’s Enterprise SATCOM Management and Control program, which aims to coordinate access to a growing mix of military and commercial systems.
Hughes will also examine the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor network conditions and automatically route traffic across available communication links.
