Rendering of an AST SpaceMobile satellite. Photo: AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile has a new agreement with government contractor Fairwinds Technologies LLC to explore opportunities to jointly market AST SpaceMobile’s satellite-to-cell service to the military market. The Monday announcement was light on details but said the companies will explore how AST SpaceMobile’s services and satellite technology could be jointly marketed to military and law enforcement agencies. 

AST SpaceMobile is working to develop a space-based cellular broadband network. The company’s test satellite is currently in orbit. AST SpaceMobile CCO Chris Ivory said that the company’s space-based cellular broadband network has potential for applications for tactical military communications missions.  

Fairwinds is a U.S. government prime contractor and an approved vendor for various government contract vehicles. The company develops communications solutions for the defense community and public sector agencies. 

“Focusing on next-generation and space-based communications technologies that address network resiliency, 4G/5G competitiveness and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) is vital. AST SpaceMobile’s network is being designed to offer potential solutions for these needs,” commented Tim Hillner, Chief Technology Officer of Fairwinds Technologies.