Microsoft, Orion Space Systems Join Forces to Develop CJADC2 Mesh Network

Microsoft and Orion Space Solutions are working together to build an electromagnetic data mesh network in support of the Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control concept.

Under CJADC2, the department seeks to establish a system of interconnected sensors to support warfighters. Lt. Gen. Mary O’Brien, the Joint Staff’s J6 chief information officer, underlined at a Potomac Officers Club event in May that force integration with the United States partners is a key priority of the initiative.

According to a press release, the Nexus Space Network is expected to improve the DOD data interoperability and decision-making by combining Orion’s and Microsoft’s enterprise electromagnetic-data-as-a-service capabilities. The companies’ joint services will be delivered through the Azure Government and Commercial environments.

Wes Anderson, Microsoft Federal’s vice president for defense and a 4×24 member, noted that the collaboration will drive national security missions and support the DOD’s data superiority and interoperability objectives.

Meanwhile, Orion CIO Samih Fadli said the interoperability provided by Nexus will facilitate space-based collaboration between the United States and its allies. He highlighted CJADC2’s identity-based hybrid quantum-classical architecture as a key driver of force synchronization, Orion said.