Elon Musk-led SpaceX's Starlink Faces New Military Connectivity Alternative as Boeing Drone Unit Tests Gogo Link
Boeing Co.’s (NYSE: BA ) drone subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Inc. (NASDAQ: GOGO ) successfully tested an Integrator military drone using satellite communications on Tuesday, giving defense customers another option as governments look to reduce reliance on Elon Musk-led Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (NASDAQ: SPCX ) Starlink network. Integrator Adds OneWeb For Long-Range Missions A public press release reveals that Gogo Special Missions and Insitu integrated a modified Galileo HDX antenna onto the Integrator, a Group 3 uncrewed aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The companies said the setup connects through Eutelsat Communications SA (OTC: ETCMY ) OneWeb’s low-Earth-orbit network and requires no aircraft modifications. "Adding an ITAR-free, high-speed SATCOM option is an essential capability for our global customers," Insitu Vice President of Growth John Kelly said. He said the system would extend command-and-control range and allow "seamless backhaul of sensor data with minimal latency." Insitu says Integrator can remain airborne for up to 27.5 hours, carry a 50-pound payload and that it supports both proliferated-LEO and geosynchronous satellite
’s (NYSE: BA ) drone subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: SPCX ) Starlink network. Integrator Adds OneWeb For Long-Range Missions A public press release reveals that Gogo Special Missions and Insitu integrated a modified Galileo HDX antenna onto the Integrator, a Group 3 uncrewed aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The companies said the setup connects through Eutelsat Communications SA (OTC: ETCMY ) OneWeb’s low-Earth-orbit network and requires no aircraft modifications.
"Adding an ITAR-free, high-speed SATCOM option is an essential capability for our global customers," Insitu Vice President of Growth John Kelly said. 5 hours, carry a 50-pound payload and that it supports both proliferated-LEO and geosynchronous satellite-control options. In 2024, the company demonstrated P-LEO control at distances up to 2,000 nautical miles. Read Also: Elon Musk Says Starlink Now Beats Cable on Reliability The Gogo system uses Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation of more than 600 satellites.
Earlier this month, Eutelsat announced plans to procure 229 additional OneWeb satellites from Airbus SE (OTC: EADSY ) to replenish and expand the constellation. Starlink Dominates As Governments Seek Alternatives Starlink still operates at a much larger scale. Britain began using Starshield for military operations earlier this year. 29 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 66% year over year.
Starlink Dependence Creates Friction Inside Pentagon That dependence has also created friction. During the Iran war, SpaceX sought higher Pentagon payments for Starlink connectivity used on LUCAS attack drones, prompting concern among officials about relying too heavily on Musk’s company. The Pentagon ultimately accepted higher pricing while exploring alternatives. SpaceX’s military footprint continues to grow.
6 billion award covers 18 national-security launches. Gogo and Insitu have not disclosed when the new Integrator configuration will enter service. Read Also: Elon Musk Says 'First Starship Launch to Orbit' Will Carry Starlink V3 Satellites in 7 Days Photo courtesy: Shutterstock