Via Satellite archive photo

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded Hughes Network Services a contract focused on resilient, hybrid satellite networks.

The award announced Monday is through the AFRL’s Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) program. Hughes will support the Space Technology Advanced Research – Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH) procurement for space data networking experimentation.

Hughes said the goal of this contract is to ensure network resilience and reliable connectivity by efficiently routing data across both space and terrestrial infrastructures. Hughes will provide input into hybrid, layered satellite communications networks, which will inform current and future hybrid space programs for the Department of Defense (DOD). 

This work will build upon the company’s previous support of critical network management initiatives, including Enterprise Satcom Management and Control. Hughes’ technology includes software-defined network orchestration tools that use artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize data routing and bandwidth allocation for networks. 

“The network orchestration solutions offered by Hughes respond to today’s rapidly evolving communications requirements, no matter the environmental and mission conditions, so military users can have reliable, real-time information access across multiple domains, equipment types and transports,” said Patrick Markus, vice president and general manager of the Defense and Government Systems Division at Hughes. 

Aalyria recently received a similar award from the RAPID program to perform a technical study related to the Space Data Network Experimentation (SDNX) program.