Omnispace, Vulcan Wireless Showcase Link Between On-Orbit Satellite and Existing Military Radios

Omnispace and Vulcan Wireless have completed a demonstration showcasing successful voice and data communication between its on-orbit satellite and the widely deployed PRC-117G radio.

The companies focused on linking existing military hardware to satellites in commercial frequency bands and orbits not traditionally used by the government, with the goal of increasing the resiliency of battlefield communications, Via Satellite reported Thursday.

According to Omnispace, the demo addresses warfighter needs at the edge within the Joint All-Domain Command and Control architecture.

The test was conducted as part of Omnispace’s Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract with the Air Force for innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies. The SBIR contract was awarded to the Virginia-based company following the Air Force Space Pitch Day event held in November 2019.

Omnispace said it relies on its next-generation global 5G satellite network to support dual-use solutions. Unlike legacy commercial and government networks, the global network complies with 3GPP 5G non terrestrial network standards, allowing interoperability with any compatible 5G commercial or government device.

Campbell Marshall, Omnispace’s vice president for government and international markets, noted that enhancing military enterprise communications is dependent on the adaptation of legacy end-user equipment.

“This demo proves that software-defined mobile, tactical user equipment can leverage our dual-use commercial infrastructure. Imagine the possibilities that 5G technology will enable for the government — from COTM handheld devices to IoT platforms.” Marshall said in a statement.