AST SpaceMobile completed a tactical NTN demonstration with Fairwinds Technologies. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile has completed a demonstration of tactical non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity with defense tech integrator Fairwinds Technologies. 

The companies announced a field test on Thursday of defense-related use cases for direct-to-device satellite communications. AST SpaceMobile reported demonstrating real-time connectivity to a tactical assault kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK, and secure multi-party video calls, all executed on standard, unmodified smartphones.

This milestone demonstration was conducted near AST SpaceMobile’s gateway facility on Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM). It was the first in a series of planned prototype demonstrations to evaluate space-based mobile broadband for defense applications. AST SpaceMobile is working with Fairwinds Technologies for program integration and military tactical network support for defense uses. 

In May, AST SpaceMobile was one of multiple companies awarded contracts to demonstrate capabilities for the the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA). 

“We are proud to help enable a new layer of mobile connectivity—directly from space to standard smartphones, with no need for specialized equipment, in support of national security objectives,” commented Chris Ivory, chief commercial and government business officer at AST SpaceMobile.