...U.S. Air Force Military Satellite Communications System Directorate, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. The contract is for the development of future management concepts for protected tactical satellite communications and includes technical support in the definition of future protected tactical satellite waveforms.

“Our military relies upon command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to enable the most technologically sophisticated defense systems,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Intelligence Systems Division at Hughes. “A cost-effective and efficient approach to protected tactical communications is critical, especially as our potential adversaries’ ability to disrupt communications for those systems continues to increase.”

The contract was issued to help the Air Force develop options and reduce acquisition risk for an affordable architecture that provides U.S. and Allied Forces with protected satellite communications in future hostile environments. Hughes was selected to develop design concepts and demonstrate mature satellite technologies that enable network management to leverage the capabilities Hughes employs across its global, commercial satellite networks. Additionally, Hughes has extensive experience and deep knowledge in waveform design and development. The proposed new waveform designs will help create cost savings while extending communications capabilities.