Boeing has transmitted a government-developed, frequency-hopping signal through a commercial satellite, demonstrating the potential for the military to access more communications pathways at a lower cost than building new satellites, while protecting its data from jamming attempts.

In the first demonstration of its kind, Boeing in July used the government’s protected tactical waveform to securely transmit information over ViaSat-1, illustrating how the DoD could add anti-jam bandwidth very cost-effectively. The government signal is compatible with industry standards and multiple frequency bands.

“This is a breakthrough use of commercial technology for U.S. warfighters and allies — and further credit to our team’s ingenuity that they accomplished it within nine months of contract award,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.

Boeing is one of several contractors selected by the U.S. Air Force Space Command to participate in the Protected Military Satellite Communications Design for Affordability Risk Reduction study.

Boeing press release