OneWeb demonstrates global connectivity platform to NCIA as part of ongoing LEO satcom evaluations

During the live demonstration observed by the NCIA on 9 March, multiple laptop devices were connected to OneWeb's LEO constellation via Kymeta's Hawk u8 user terminal, which was mounted onboard a 4×4 Land Rover Discovery vehicle. (OneWeb)

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has disclosed details regarding its most recent evaluation of commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications (satcom).

The event, which was conducted on 9 March at Eutelsat's teleport facility in Rambouillet, France, featured a live demonstration of OneWeb's Global Connectivity Platform (GCP).

Speaking to Janes on 2 June , an NCIA spokesperson said that usage of LEO satellites is dramatically increasing in satcom because of their advantages compared with geostationary ones.

“NATO has used LEO services for a long time in different flavours [and] the NCIA has been following the developments in LEO technologies closely,” the spokesperson said. “We are currently investigating potential use of the advanced capabilities in LEO satcom, such as lower latency, higher data rates, wider coverage, or smaller terminals.

“The demonstration with Eutelsat and OneWeb was not the first of this kind, and the agency will continue to explore further space-based connectivity solutions with industry.”

OneWeb's GCP features a constellation of 648 LEO satellites and multidomain user terminals, which can be integrated on fixed infrastructures as well as ground vehicles, surface vessels, and aircraft.

The demonstration saw multiple laptop devices connecting to OneWeb's LEO constellation via Kymeta's Hawk u8 user terminal, which was mounted onboard a 4×4 Land Rover Discovery vehicle.

Disclosing details about the sensitive test, OneWeb account director Charlie Clark said on 2 June that the NCIA continues to press ahead with an active requirement to acquire commercial LEO satcom capability.