Boeing was awarded a $472 million contract by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center tp develop a system design and demonstrate critical technologies for a secure, high-capacity global communications network serving the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA and the intelligence community.
The Transformational Communications MILSATCOM Space Segment incorporates laser communications, next-generation processors and routers, internet protocol, information assurance, network management, and other advanced technologies into an architecture that is compatible with future and legacy space and ground network systems.
The contract, which extends through 2006, supports the government’s network-centric operations vision. A single contractor will be chosen in 2006 and the next generation satellite system is slated for launch in 2011. The system is being designed to provide survivable, strategic communications services as well as new capabilities such as communications on the move for tactical users, and enhanced airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance connectivity.
Boeing and its industry team members are contributing innovations on other transformational DoD systems such as Future Combat Systems, Joint Tactical Radio System, and Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals. http://www.boeing.com
