SDA Taps AST SpaceMobile for Demo Commercial Satellite Links

February 23, 2026

2 min read

Space Development Agency Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Tactical Communications

The SDA has awarded $30 million to AST SpaceMobile USA for a demonstration of commercial satellite links to US military radios. The partnership aims to validate the use of commercial platforms for tactical communication capability. Breaking Defense reports that AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird constellation will provide cellular broadband satellite services, enabling high-bandwidth data transport directly from low Earth orbit. SDA initiated the HALO program in October 2024 and expects to announce additional awards in the near future.

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Companies Mentioned

AST SpaceMobile USA

Topics

SDA AST SpaceMobile tactical communications military radios commercial satellites

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Source JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1771884210123-2809 Source Type: RSS

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/sda-taps-ast-spacemobile-to-demo-commercial-satellite-links-to-military-radios/

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SDA Taps AST SpaceMobile for Demo Commercial Satellite Links

February 23, 2026

2 min read

Space Development Agency Partners with AST SpaceMobile for Tactical Communications

The SDA has awarded $30 million to AST SpaceMobile USA for a demonstration of commercial satellite links to US military radios. The partnership aims to validate the use of commercial platforms for tactical communication capability. Breaking Defense reports that AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird constellation will provide cellular broadband satellite services, enabling high-bandwidth data transport directly from low Earth orbit. SDA initiated the HALO program in October 2024 and expects to announce additional awards in the near future.

Key Takeaways

Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Strategic Implications

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Companies Mentioned

AST SpaceMobile USA

Topics

SDA AST SpaceMobile tactical communications military radios commercial satellites

Source JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1771884210123-2809 Source Type: RSS

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/sda-taps-ast-spacemobile-to-demo-commercial-satellite-links-to-military-radios/