Rivada Space Networks has secured a contract with the U.S. Navy to develop Virtual Network Operator (VNO) capabilities tailored for secure, global communications. This effort will leverage Rivada’s Outernet, a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed to deliver high-bandwidth, ultra-secure connectivity without relying on public or third-party infrastructure. Initial phases of the contract focus on joint engineering to create a Virtual Network architecture for secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication.
To support this and other government projects, Rivada has established Rivada Secure Services, a subsidiary focused on the unique communication needs of U.S. defense and civilian agencies. Headquartered near Washington, D.C., and led by Michael Abad-Santos, the new proxy organization will ensure compliance with government security protocols while delivering the robust capabilities of the Outernet. Rivada Secure Services positions the company to address mission-critical requirements, including secure, low-latency data transmission for military operations.
The Outernet’s architecture includes 600 interconnected LEO satellites using inter-satellite laser links and advanced onboard processing, creating an optical mesh network that keeps data in space from origin to destination. This “orbital networking” approach ensures pole-to-pole coverage with much lower latency than fiber optics over long distances. By eliminating third-party involvement in data transmission, the system offers unmatched security and reliability for defense operations.
Key Points:
• Rivada’s Outernet: A 600-satellite LEO constellation with inter-satellite laser links.
• Rivada Secure Services: A new subsidiary to meet U.S. government communication needs.
• Provides secure, low-latency, and high-bandwidth global connectivity.
• Gateway-less architecture ensures data integrity and resilience against interception.