WASHINGTON — Satellite communications provider Globalstar has teamed up with defense contractor Parsons to bring to market a secure messaging and data transmission service for military users.
Under the partnership announced Dec. 3, Parsons developed a specialized waveform that enables secure communication through Globalstar’s existing low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite infrastructure. A waveform refers to a software-based signal processing technique that determines how data is transmitted and received. Unlike hardware-centric upgrades, this software-driven solution leverages Globalstar’s bent-pipe satellite architecture, simplifying integration and updates.
Narrowband communications market niche
Globalstar operates a narrowband satellite network primarily used for voice calls, text messaging, and low-bandwidth data applications, such as asset tracking and emergency services. This positions it in a distinct segment compared to high-bandwidth providers like SpaceX’s Starlink, which focuses on delivering high-speed internet for consumer and enterprise applications.
Mike Kushin, president of defense and intelligence at Parsons, said part of Globalstar’s appeal is its dual-frequency L-band and S-band architecture. The L-band facilitates uplink communications from user terminals to satellites, while the S-band handles downlink communications.
Globalstar’s bent-pipe architecture also played a role in Parsons’ decision to collaborate and sign an exclusive agreement with the satellite firm.
Unlike satellite systems with onboard processing, Globalstar’s satellites serve as simple signal relays, with most data processing occurring at ground-based gateways. This allows for more straightforward upgrades and integration of Parsons’ waveform, eliminating the need for hardware modifications to the satellites themselves.
Communications in congested environments
“Traditionally, we haven’t had a lot of activities in the defense and the government sector, and Parsons presented a wonderful opportunity for us to find a partner that will utilize some of the advantages of our satellite architecture,” said Mersad Cavcic, Globalstar’s chief marketing officer,
The companies seek to address a demand for communications in areas of high radio frequency (RF) congestion where civilian and military systems compete for spectrum, and communication pathways can become strained or disrupted.
“This service is designed to enhance resilience against disrupted communication pathways, providing reliable access in RF-congested environments,” Kushin said.
The companies have already demonstrated the service in North America, and plans are underway to extend it to other regions of interest to the military, said Kushin.
Parsons developed compatible user equipment, including handheld phones and tracking devices, he said. These devices can be either Parsons-designed or third-party equipment adapted to the system.
