Key Takeaways
- The Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded Hughes Network Services a contract to enhance hybrid satellite networks.
- The project aims to improve data routing and network resilience for the Department of Defense.
- This follows Hughes’ previous work in network management, leveraging AI for optimized communications.
AFRL Awards Contract to Hughes Network Services
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has granted Hughes Network Services a significant contract aimed at developing resilient hybrid satellite networks. Announced on Monday, this initiative is part of the AFRL’s Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) program. Specifically, Hughes will aid in the Space Technology Advanced Research – Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH) effort, which focuses on experimental space data networking.
The core objective of this collaboration is to bolster network resilience and ensure reliable connectivity by effectively routing data between space and terrestrial infrastructures. Hughes is tasked with contributing insights into hybrid, layered satellite communications networks—information that will be essential for both current and future hybrid space initiatives within the Department of Defense (DOD).
This contract builds on Hughes’ extensive experience in supporting critical network management systems, including Enterprise Satcom Management and Control. The company utilizes advanced software-defined network orchestration tools, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), to optimize data routing and bandwidth allocation.
Patrick Markus, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Government Systems Division at Hughes, emphasized the importance of their network orchestration solutions: “The solutions offered by Hughes respond to today’s rapidly evolving communications requirements, irrespective of the environmental and mission conditions. This ensures that military users have reliable, real-time information access across multiple domains, equipment types, and transports.”
In a related development, Aalyria has also received a grant from the RAPID program for a technical study concerning the Space Data Network Experimentation (SDNX) initiative, showcasing continued investment in advanced networking technologies for military applications.
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