The US Space Force is raising concerns about the potential impact of SpaceX's new Starlink direct-to-cell service on military satellite communications.
This advanced technology, which allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites, could disrupt existing military narrowband satellite communication systems like the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS).
US Space Force Warns of Starlink's 'Disruptive' Potential
The US Space Force is closely monitoring SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, along with similar offerings from other companies.
This scrutiny stems from Starlink's recent demonstration of its direct-to-cell service, which enables individuals to connect directly to satellites using their smartphones.
During the SAE Media Group's Milsatcom USA conference on June 10, Col. Eric Felt, director of space architecture at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, highlighted the potential impact of Starlink and similar services on the US Space Force.
"We view direct-to-cell as a really disruptive thing," Felt said, as reported by SpaceNews. "How that technology develops is going to play out in how we provide service to the narrowband users."
(Photo : Screenshot From Pexels Official Website) US Space Force warns SpaceX's Starlink direct-to-cell service could disrupt military satellite communications.
How Direct-to-cell Services Impact MUOS
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) currently provides secure voice and data communications to US mobile forces. However, commercial direct-to-cell services, 'cellphone towers in space' offer a similar functionality.
These services have the potential to eventually replace the current military satellite communication infrastructure. The new satellites are expected to serve as a transitional solution into the 2030s, at which point the migration away from the existing MUOS terminals to alternative systems can begin, as explained by Felt.
To address these challenges, the U.S. Space Force plans to commission two new narrowband communication satellites from either Lockheed Martin or Boeing.
These new satellites aim to enhance the current MUOS constellation, which consists of five satellites in geosynchronous orbits, and maintain coverage well into the 2030s.
This initiative, known as the MUOS Service Life Extension program, will help the Space Force transition from current MUOS terminals to newer technologies.
While direct-to-cell technology presents opportunities, it also raises cybersecurity concerns. "They are looking at all kinds of options," Felt said, referring to a new study conducted by the Space Warfighting Analysis Center on the future of narrowband architecture.
"The really disruptive thing here is direct to cell, 5G from space." Despite the potential risks, the ability for troops to connect instantly without special equipment makes this technology appealing to the Pentagon.
The Direct-to-cell Services Industry
Companies like AST SpaceMobile, Iridium, and Lynk Global are also racing to offer direct-to-cell services.
Iridium, which won the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) contract in 2019, is developing a new direct-to-cell service called Project Stardust. This service will enable standard smartphones to connect to its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
With Iridium's contract extended for seven years, the Space Force is already planning for the next generation of this program, looking at how to evolve EMSS and integrate new capabilities.
