The Army is utilizing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network for advanced command and control capabilities, with a focus on proliferated low Earth orbit satellite networks. Starshield, SpaceX’s military business unit, provides access to the Starlink constellation of over 6,000 satellites in LEO, supporting internet services for private consumers and militaries globally.

Other companies like Amazon, OneWeb, and Intelsat are also developing large SATCOM constellations to compete with Starlink. The Army aims to provide commanders with multiple connectivity options as new megaconstellations come online.

To expand access to satellite services, the Army is developing the Next-Generation Tactical Terminal, allowing units to leverage constellations from multiple orbits and frequency bands through a single terminal. This approach aims to provide flexibility without the need for additional hardware swaps.