AST SpaceMobile and Fairwinds Technologies have jointly demonstrated the world’s first tactical Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) providing satellite-based data, voice, and video connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. The field test took place near AST SpaceMobile’s gateway in Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from multiple U.S. Department of Defense entities, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, U.S. Space Command, and the OUSD R&E FutureG team.
The test validated several key defense use cases, such as streaming real-time tactical data via the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a secure VPN and executing multi-party video calls—all without specialized hardware. The demonstration builds on AST SpaceMobile’s core technology of space-based cellular broadband and follows a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) award under the Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative. The program, jointly supported by DIU’s Space and Cyber & Telecom portfolios, aims to enhance resilient tactical communications in denied and austere environments.
Fairwinds Technologies, a veteran defense integrator, partnered on the demonstration by supporting network design and integration. This marks the first of a series of prototype demonstrations, with further tests, including over maritime environments, planned in the near future as the team advances secure, mobile, space-based broadband for multi-domain operations.
- First-ever tactical satellite demo using unmodified smartphones
- Conducted near AST SpaceMobile’s Hawaii gateway with U.S. military participation
- Demonstrated secure TAK connectivity, VPN access, video, and multimedia services
- Supported by DIU’s Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative
- Future tests to expand into open ocean and contested communications scenarios
“This demonstration represents a significant leap forward in advancing resilient, secure communications capabilities for the U.S. defense community,” said Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial and Government Business Officer at AST SpaceMobile.
- About AST SpaceMobile – Founded in 2017 by Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified mobile phones. Headquartered in Midland, Texas, the company employs a global team of engineers and space scientists and holds over 3,200 patent and patent-pending claims. A key milestone was the 2022 launch of the BlueWalker 3 satellite, which successfully demonstrated 4G LTE connectivity from space to smartphones in 2023. AST SpaceMobile has partnered with mobile network operators such as Vodafone, Rakuten, and AT&T to support its network deployment. The company aims to bridge the global digital divide by providing continuous mobile coverage in areas underserved or unreachable by terrestrial networks.
- About Fairwinds Technologies – Fairwinds Technologies, founded in 2016 by military veterans Timothy Hillner and Jonathan Eisinger, is a communications and IT integrator specializing in secure, scalable networking solutions for defense and civilian agencies. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the company is recognized for delivering resilient tactical communications systems and integration services for U.S. military operations. Its core programs include multi-domain network deployments, tactical edge computing, and joint interoperability testing. Fairwinds is a trusted partner on defense initiatives, including projects with the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T). Combining engineering innovation with operational expertise, Fairwinds supports mission-critical communications for its clients.