GEO satellite operator Astranis unveiled a new capability yesterday that will allow customers to leverage Astranis satellites to create impromptu mobile networks. This is not only for internet connectivity, but also secure, air-gapped, point-to-point comms.
The new product, called Vanguard, uses Astranis’ MicroGEO sats to extend the range of customer point-to-point communications capabilities. Users can now maintain a connection even when terrestrial internet is unreachable—such as in remote areas, or following disaster scenarios—without needing to tap into any third-party, shared infrastructure.
Prove it: In a recent demo, Astranis validated the technology alongside a handful of partners, including Persistent Systems, Kymeta, and Satcube.
During the demo, Vanguard increased the range of Persistent Systems’ MPU5 radios, which are often used by special operations troops to form a mobile ad-hoc network. The success of this demo means that future soldiers using Vanguard may soon communicate on a secure network at greater distances, as long as they’re within the beam of an Astranis satellite.
With Kymeta and Satcube terminals, Astranis also demonstrated the fixed and mobile connectivity capabilities. Astranis linked to both multi-network flat-panel terminals from Satcube, which are designed to be used while stationary, and Kymeta’s on-the-move alternative.
For defense missions, Vanguard will aim to offer a resilient, air-gapped network that is far more extensive than existing line-of-sight alternatives. Beyond the lucrative defense market, Astranis says others will benefit.,
- First responders will be able to quickly establish connections following a disaster.
- For commercial customers in energy, mining, or transportation industries—which operate where terrestrial networks are lacking—Vanguard will give operators the ability to establish comms, or to keep track of assets.
Duality of space: The test suggests a huge leap in the security and reliability of point-to-point comms networks being used by commercial and government customers alike. Given the widespread use of Persistent Systems, Kymeta, and Satcube hardware, the Vanguard capability can be spun up quickly, officials say.
“This is real equipment that is already deployed all over the world with warfighters, first responders, and a wide array of enterprise customers,” Astranis CEO John Gedmark said in a LinkedIn post. “It’s a capability that customers have long asked us for.”
