Satellite Terminal
A US Army soldier with 18th Space Company, 1st Space Brigade, operates a miniaturized tactical space system in a small tactical vehicle. Image: Brooke Nevins/US Army
GIF Promo

The US Army has selected Kymeta Corporation to provide multi-orbit satellite communications capability for the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) pilot.

Under the contract, Kymeta will supply its Osprey u8 terminal, which provides connectivity through satellites in both geostationary and low Earth orbits, with the ability to simultaneously send and receive data from a single aperture.

The system’s architecture enables forces to maintain connectivity across both commercial and government satellite networks, reducing dependence on any single data pathway and enhancing operational continuity, even in contested or degraded environments.

Integration of the Osprey u8 terminal. Photo: Kymeta

Features

With its modular, cartridge-based design, the terminal is built for military use and can be rapidly adapted to evolving operational requirements. 

Its lower power consumption and reduced thermal signature compared to other systems make it well suited for communications in on-the-move and over-the-horizon operations, enhancing forces’ ability to maneuver while maintaining battlefield survivability.

Additionally, features such as a low profile and narrower beamwidth help the Osprey u8 remain less detectable when operating in hostile environments.

NGC2 Pilot 

The NGC2 pilot program seeks to accelerate and improve decision-making for commanders in rapidly evolving scenarios by leveraging advanced communications, data links, and sensor networks to deliver real-time situational awareness across dispersed and maneuvering forces.

Osprey u8’s selection for the program was informed by assessments including the Armored Formation Network On The Move, Network Modernization Experiment, and Project Convergence Capstone.

A closer look at the u8 terminal. Photo: Kymeta

“My experiences in the military equipped me with a crystal-clear perspective on how critical resilient, secure communications are to mission success,” Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Kymeta Tom Jackson said

“When operating in unpredictable, high-stakes environments, modern units can’t afford downtime, complexity, or systems that give away their position. 

This move from the US Army is a clear indication that they recognize that network resiliency is no longer a nice-to-have; it is an absolute necessity.”

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