The U.S. Space Force is eyeing a groundbreaking technology that allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites, potentially disrupting the multi-billion dollar military communication market. This innovation, referred to as satellite-to-cell technology, could offer significant advantages over current narrowband military satellite systems like the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), according to officials on June 10th.
Speaking at the SAE Media Group’s Milsatcom USA conference, Colonel Eric Felt, Director of Space Architecture in the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Integration, highlighted the transformative potential of satellite-to-cell technology. “The concept of direct-to-cell is really disruptive,” Felt remarked, noting that his office closely monitors developments in satellite communication services, especially those enabling direct-to-cell connectivity. These services might enhance or even replace dedicated military narrowband satellite systems, which currently provide secure voice and data communications for mobile forces.
Felt explained that the evolution of this technology would influence how narrowband services are delivered to users. The U.S. military is keen on exploring commercial satellite-to-cell services as a means to enhance the resilience of satellite communications. This interest comes at a time when the Space Force plans to procure two new narrowband communication satellites from Lockheed Martin or Boeing to upgrade the existing MUOS constellation. The program, known as the MUOS Service Life Extension, aims to keep MUOS operational through the 2030s. Meanwhile, the military is also considering future alternatives post-MUOS.
The Space Warfighting Analysis Center, a Space Force organization, is completing a study on future narrowband architecture, evaluating various options, with direct-to-cell and space-based 5G technologies standing out as particularly disruptive. Felt suggested that these technologies could offer basic connectivity, such as messaging, on regular smartphones in areas without cellular coverage. Companies like Starlink, Iridium, Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, and others are racing to bring these services to market.
While the technology’s potential is immense, Felt emphasized the need for thorough cybersecurity assessments for any commercial service adopted. The ability to connect troops instantly to resilient satellite communications without specialized equipment has generated significant interest at the Pentagon.
Clare Hopper, head of the Space Force’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO), mentioned that several direct-to-cell satellite providers have been selected to compete for service orders under the proliferated low Earth orbit satellite services contract. “I think it’s fantastic,” Hopper said at the Milsatcom USA conference. “It’s a good fit for this,” she added, noting that this approach is often the most optimized way to procure services.
Future developments in direct-to-cell technology will shape the Pentagon’s next contract with Iridium. In 2019, Iridium secured the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) contract, providing Department of Defense (DoD) users worldwide access to its satellite network for unlimited voice calls and narrowband data transmissions. Iridium is currently developing a new direct-to-cell service called Project Stardust, which will enable regular smartphones to connect to its low Earth orbit satellite network. Hopper pointed out that the Iridium contract will be renewed in 2026. “We’ve historically had a very long and successful partnership with Iridium,” she said. “And we’re already planning what the next generation of that program will look like—not just continuing the partnership with Iridium, but also exploring what additional capabilities could be integrated into EMSS.”
Hopper expressed excitement about the future trajectory of the EMSS program, highlighting ongoing efforts to evolve both the program and the service plans offered. “We’re really excited about where this program can go,” she said. “We’re looking at how to evolve EMSS overall… and the service plans we offer might also change.”
As the Space Force navigates this new frontier, the adoption of satellite-to-cell technology promises to significantly enhance military communications, offering greater flexibility, resilience, and reach for U.S. forces worldwide.
