[Satellite TODAY 02-15-11] The U.S. Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate awarded a $900,000 contract to Boeing to explore ways to modify existing commercial satellite capabilities to meet military satellite needs, Boeing announced Feb. 14.
    Boeing will conduct research on new military communications-on-the-move mission requirements as well as connectivity solutions for low-altitude airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms operating on Ka-band frequencies. The directorate also contracted Boeing to make recommendations about "innovative and feasible acquisition alternatives, which will include ways to apply commercial satellite procurement practices to the military acquisition process," Boeing said in a statement.
    The recommendations are due for delivery to the U.S. Air Force in July.