Hughes and SES Demonstrate First Multi-Orbit SATCOM for Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) and SES today announced the successful first demonstration of a new multi-orbit satellite communications (SATCOM) capability for remotely piloted aircraft. Conducted for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the demonstration paired Hughes HM series software-defined modems and Resource Management System (RMS) with SES’s satellites that operate in geosynchronous (GEO) and medium earth (MEO) orbits. SES’s unique multi-orbit fleet, which delivers global coverage, high throughput and security, was leveraged to show how unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the GA-ASI MQ-9 series, can maintain crucial connectivity and resiliency, even in contested environments.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210921006196/en/
Hughes and SES Demonstrate First Multi-Orbit SATCOM for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Photo: Business Wire)
The demonstration replicated a typical unmanned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission, transmitting high-definition video and sensor data to and from the unmanned vehicle to the command center. Based on the mission’s pre-set policies, the RMS automatically switched the satellite signals to stay connected – even when a signal experienced interference and jamming scenarios. A quasi-instant and smooth beam switch took just seconds to complete, allowing a near real-time capability that enhances the military’s Primary Alternative Contingency Emergency (PACE) planning.
“Our multi-orbit demonstration for remotely piloted aircraft delivered three times the throughput of the currently deployed SATCOM service using a terminal less than half the size, while maintaining constant connectivity,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager, Hughes Defense. “This highly resilient, significantly reduced SWAP option for primary and secondary aero connections unlocks new beyond-line of sight mission opportunities for unmanned aerial vehicles like the GA-ASI MQ-9. It’s another example of how Hughes empowers our military to exchange information securely with the right people at the right time.”
“SES's second-generation MEO system, O3b mPOWER brings a new age of game changing performance, scalability, and resilience that will enable us to deliver the network sovereignty that governments are looking for,” said Will Tong, Vice President of Strategic Government Initiatives and Head of the Aero ISR market at SES Networks. “The demonstration we did with Hughes showcases the power of the industry’s first multi-orbit networked capability to exponentially increase performance utilizing small terminals, while giving end-users the autonomy to provision networks to meet their operational ISR needs. It also comes at a perfect time as we are preparing to launch O3b mPOWER as the showcased solution ensures both high-performance and multiple layers of network resiliency and security for multi-domain operations that involve moving platforms in remote, austere locations.”
The demonstration was powered by software-defined gateways and modems from the Hughes HM System, a commercially based, frequency-agnostic, open architecture platform for fixed, mobile and portable government applications. For more information about Hughes Defense solutions, including the HM System, visit defense.hughes.com.
Follow us on:
Twitter | Facebook | Youtube | LinkedIn | Instagram
Read our Blogs >
Visit the Media Gallery >
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), an innovator in satellite and multi-transport technologies and networks for 50 years, provides broadband equipment and services; managed services featuring smart, software-defined networking; and end-to-end network operation for millions of consumers, businesses, governments and communities worldwide. The Hughes flagship Internet service, HughesNet®, connects more than 1.5 million subscribers across the Americas, and the Hughes JUPITER™ System powers Internet access for tens of millions more worldwide. Hughes supplies more than half the global satellite terminal market to leading satellite operators, in-flight service providers, mobile network operators and military customers. A managed network services provider, Hughes supports nearly 500,000 enterprise sites with its HughesON™ portfolio of wired and wireless solutions. Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Hughes is owned by EchoStar. To learn more, visit www.hughes.com or follow HughesConnects on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About SES
SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless connectivity around the world. As the leader in global content connectivity solutions, SES operates the world’s only multi-orbit constellation of satellites with the unique combination of global coverage and high performance, including the commercially-proven, low-latency Medium Earth Orbit O3b system. By leveraging a vast and intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES is able to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to the world’s leading telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners. SES’s video network carries over 8,650 channels and has an unparalleled reach of 361 million households, delivering managed media services for both linear and non-linear content. The company is listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) is a premier global provider of satellite communication solutions. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and conducting business around the globe, EchoStar is a pioneer in secure communications technologies through its Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services business segments. For more information, visit www.echostar.com. Follow @EchoStar on Twitter.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210921006196/en/
Contact information
Hughes
Sharyn Nerenberg
301-428-7124
sharyn.nerenberg@Hughes.com
SES
Suzanne Ong
Tel. +352 710 725 500
suzanne.ong@ses.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Access Advance Announces Major Growth in Its HEVC and VVC Patent Pools24.11.2025 17:10:00 EET | Press release
Access Advance LLC today announced significant expansions of both its HEVC Advance and VVC Advance Patent Pools during the second and third quarters of 2025, underscoring continued industry confidence in the company's balanced and transparent approach to video codec licensing. This growth follows the successful January 2025 launch of Access Advance's Video Distribution Patent ("VDP") Pool, demonstrating the company's expanding role in comprehensive video codec patent licensing solutions. Among the many highlights, Sharp Corporation joined the HEVC Advance Patent Pool as a Licensor, bringing valuable intellectual property assets to the pool's already extensive patent portfolio. Additionally, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., already an HEVC Advance Licensor and Licensee, expanded its collaboration with Access Advance by joining the VVC Advance Patent Pool as a Licensee. HP Inc. also expanded its license to include the VVC Advance Patent Pool after previously joining HEVC Advance in 2024, w
Andersen Global Strengthens Platform in Turkey with Addition of Member Firm24.11.2025 16:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Global enhances its presence in Turkey as Celen Corporate Property Valuation & Counseling Inc. becomes Andersen in Turkey, adding breadth to the capabilities provided under the Andersen brand in the country. Founded in 1995 and led by Managing Partner Guniz Celen, the Istanbul-based firm delivers a broad spectrum of services for domestic and international clients. With expertise in real estate corporate finance, tangible and intangible asset valuation, and asset management, Andersen in Turkey delivers solutions that support complex corporate finance decisions to clients in more than 18 countries. “Our mission has always been to provide solutions to the most complex challenges in the real estate and investment sectors,” said Guniz. “Joining the Andersen brand strengthens our capabilities as a trusted advisor and gives us access to global resources, enabling us to create even greater long-term value for our clients.” Global Chairman and CEO of Andersen Mark L. Vorsatz added, “Ce
Microsize and Schedio Group to Acquire Lonza’s Micro-Macinazione Site in Switzerland24.11.2025 16:05:00 EET | Press release
Microsize, a leading CDMO specializing in particle size reduction and control technologies, today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Micro-Macinazione (Mic Mac), a dedicated micronization facility in Monteggio, Switzerland, from Lonza. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124545344/en/ The agreement represents Microsize’s second acquisition from Lonza, following the successful 2022 divestment of its Quakertown, Pennsylvania site. In this transaction, Schedio Group – a Swiss-based provider of jet mills, isolators, spray dryers, and engineering services – is investing alongside Microsize to strengthen and localize its operational base in Europe, advancing a shared vision to lead the next generation of integrated particle engineering solutions. With more than 30 years of experience, Mic Mac has served the pharmaceutical industry with proven GMP-compliant jet milling and micronization capabilities for b
Hytera to Debut S1 E at PMRExpo 202524.11.2025 15:17:00 EET | Press release
Hytera, a leading global provider of critical communications technologies and solutions, today introduced the S1 E, a business-ready, palm-sized two-way radio designed specifically for the retail sector, expanding the portfolio of S Series and providing one more option for retail users to choose for their daily operations. The S1 E will make its debut at PMRExpo, the Europe's premier trade fair for secure, mission- and business-critical communication, taking place from November 25th to 27th, 2025, at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124768341/en/ Hytera New Released Licence-free Analogue Business Radio S1 E Adhering to the S Series’ signature design language, the S1 E combines a stylish, modern, and minimalist aesthetic with practical functionality. Weighing under 85g, the S1 E provides all-day wearing comfort without tugging or weighing down uniforms. Key enhancements and sta
Merck Takes Patient-Directed Approach to Bring Innovation to the Treatment of Rare Neuromuscular Disorder, Generalized Myasthenia Gravis24.11.2025 15:00:00 EET | Press release
Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for cladribine capsules for the treatment of the rare, chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder, generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). In June 2023, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation for cladribine capsules for the treatment of gMG. In addition, the Company is actively collaborating with patient organizations and Ad Scientiam, a medical technology company, to support a patient-directed approach to the future management of gMG. If approved, cladribine capsules, currently being studied in the global Phase 3 MyClad trial, could become the first oral treatment for gMG, a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that causes severe muscle weakness and significantly impacts patients’ lives. The FDA’s Fast Track program is designed to facilitate the development and accelerate the review of therapies for serious conditions with unmet medical needs,
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom