Border control officer. Photo: Intelsat

Intelsat is supplying a multi-layer communication system (MLCS) to the Sheriff’s Office in Cochise County, Arizona to enable border security operations. 

The MLCS combines Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service with 5G cellular and a police radio gateway to provide voice and broadband connectivity in unconnected areas along the U.S. southern border. The system plans to integrate satellite, cellular, and ground-tactical radio systems to ensure communication with the sheriff’s 911 dispatch center while supporting safety features, such as GPS-based “officer down” alerts.

Intelsat installed 10 systems in police vehicles and will place four additional systems at the 911 dispatch center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. This connectivity will facilitate coordinated communications between Cochise County first responders and other local, state, and federal agencies.

“Our commitment to deploying innovative and reliable satellite communication devices for law enforcement is not just about business, it is about supporting the men and women who keep our communities safe,” said Intelsat President of Government Solutions David Broadbent. “When officers in the field can seamlessly share real-time information and coordinate responses using MLCS, they can work more effectively and safely.”

Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras announced the deal on Tuesday during the Opening General Session at SATELLITE and talked about the opportunity he sees to provide border security communications. 

“We see that as a very good first step into border security more broadly, both in the United States on the southern border and northern border, and also around the world. I have some experience of border security in different parts of the world. I know the size of the market, what the opportunity looks like. I think that’s going to be a very big deal for the company,” Wajsgras said. — Julia Kim

Sidus Space and Warpspace Form Joint Venture for Optical Space Communication

Sidus Space and Warpspace signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a joint venture aimed at advancing satellite communications and mission operations, Sidus Space announced on March 12.

Warpspace is a Japanese space-tech company focused on optical communications to provide near real-time high-speed communication network services. 

Sidus Space CEO Carol Craig said the agreement plans to integrate Sidus Space’s mission expertise with Warpspace’s WarpHub InterSat communication system to create solutions that address customer needs in the global satellite market. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Sidus Space, whose innovative capabilities and mission expertise align with our vision for the future of space communications,” said Hiro Mori, CEO of Warpspace USA and group chief strategy officer at Warpspace. “Together, we plan to accelerate the deployment of next-generation optical communication technologies and provide unparalleled connectivity solutions that will enable faster, more secure, and reliable communications in space.”

Both companies will start joint venture activities immediately and work together to outline the next implementation steps.

Sidus Space develops the multi-mission LizzieSat satellite platform, the first of which recently passed one year in orbit. The company has two in orbit and is preparing for an upcoming third launch on the Transporter-13 mission.