Hughes Network Systems has secured a Wideband Communications Architecture Study (WCAS) contract to support the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) plan to enhance cost-effective satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities.
The contract requires the company to investigate a wide-ranging commercial perspective on how different satellite transports can interoperate for wideband government applications.
Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division vice-president and general manager Rick Lober said: "This new contract reinforces our growing leadership in efficient defence and intelligence-related high-throughput satellite, ground infrastructure, and automation technologies.
"Hughes looks forward to supporting the DoD in helping define innovative and interoperable satellite system architectures for flexible and robust network management for contested environments."
Hughes will help DoD to create a secure and affordable WCA by delivering a design analysis of wide-beam, spot-beam, and on-board processing satellites, including GEO/LEO and airborne platforms.
The WCA will be able to facilitate varied and redundant space and ground transports, Hughes stated.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe contract is expected to expand the flexibility and interoperability of US government satellite communications capabilities.
It will also allow DoD's various applications to operate over its own satellite network, as well as leverage commercial satellites, gateways, waveforms, and terminals.
Hughes intends to use a multi-modem adaptor that will allow multiple service providers to contribute towards a resilient SATCOM service, which will also automate provisioning and improve network efficiency.