Industry team demonstrates multi-orbit SATCOM capability

Three companies recently demonstrated a satellite communications capability that would allow users to send data over multiple paths and seamlessly switch between low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit constellations.

Intelsat, OneWeb and Linchpin solutions teamed for the Defense Department demonstration, according to an Intelsat press release issued today.

"Referred to as Automated Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency (APACE) communications, the solution enables soldiers to survive and excel in contested electronic warfare environments," the release states. "The reliability of communications is significantly improved by simultaneously sending data over multiple paths and adjusting the traffic flow in real-time between GEO and LEO satellite constellations."

The Army would be the primary user of the capability, which could be hosted on existing virtual machine platforms designed to operate in harsh environments.