Pentagon expands U.S. satellite Internet fleet

The growing importance of companies like Starlink makes it clear that the boom around satellite Internet is currently boiling over. Now, it’s not just CEO and e-car disciple Elon Musk’s U.S. company that is upgrading. The U.S. military also wants to invest in the field of satellite-based Internet. The Pentagon has a whopping $1.8 billion at its disposal to provide its own troops with global Internet.

Once again, 126 satellites please!

The linchpin of U.S. defense policy is the Pentagon. This was trimmed due to some unsuccessful and costly war operations over years on austerity course. Now, however, it has again received a substantial financial injection. At a price of almost 1.8 billion US dollars, the Pentagon is allowed to buy a total of 126 satellites. The technology comes from Northrop Grumman, York Space Systems and Lockheed Martin. According to the Pentagon, the satellites will be sent into orbit in 2024. Despite different manufacturers, the Defense Department promises communication between the satellites.

Base of a huge satellite network

The communications are to be based on state-of-the-art laser technology. Of course, at least as important as communication between the satellites is the connection to Earth. Here, the ministry promises Internet connections that are not only supposed to be blazingly fast. On top of that, they should also be able to handle large data loads without any problems. By sending the satellites, the Pentagon wants to achieve a long-awaited goal. After all, they are to serve as the foundation of the so-called “National Defense Space Architecture”. The 126 satellites are just the beginning. In the orbit of the earth should be sometime once 1000 satellites of the Pentagon.

Pentagon’s second satellite order

This is not the Pentagon’s first order. Back in 2020, the U.S. Defense Department ordered 20 satellites. However, the order at that time cost “only” 300 million US dollars and was to be regarded as a kind of pilot project. Since the dress rehearsal was obviously a success, the Space Development Agency (SDA) has now provided additional funding. However, the Pentagon has not yet been able to put the project to the test. The 20 satellites of the so-called Tranche 0 are still on Earth. But they are to be launched into orbit in 2022. Once the first 20 models have arrived in space, the tranche 1 satellites that have now been ordered are to follow in 2024. A connection between the satellites is then to take place via mesh network.

Weapon control via the Internet

The possible applications of the “Defense Space Architecture” are to be extensive upon completion. In a few years, for example, it should be possible to use the fleet of several hundred satellites for reliable communications. But the control of weapons is also a possible application. The satellites will also be able to detect missile launches and the associated dangers. Furthermore, the Pentagon would like to create an effective alternative to the sometimes vulnerable GPS.