AST SpaceMobile demos first tactical NTN connectivity on mobile phones

AST SpaceMobile has announced the demonstration of the world’s first Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) tactical satellite communications delivering high-throughput data, voice, and video using unmodified mobile devices in collaboration with Fairwinds Technologies (a privately held company).

The field test showcased key defence-related use cases, including real-time connectivity to the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK, and secure multi-party video calls, all executed on standard, unmodified smartphones.

This milestone demonstration was conducted near AST SpaceMobile’s gateway facility on Oahu, Hawaii, with active participation from US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), including representation from the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army, US Space Command, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) FutureG team.

AST SpaceMobile collaborated with Fairwinds Technologies on this demonstration. Fairwinds is a trusted partner providing programme integration and military tactical network support as AST SpaceMobile explores direct-to-device satellite communications for US government and defence applications.

This effort follows the recent award by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to the Fairwinds/AST SpaceMobile team under the Hybrid Space Architecture 2 initiative within DIU’s Space Portfolio. The project is jointly supported by DIU’s Cyber & Telecom Portfolio and aims to evaluate the viability of space-based direct-to-device communications for resilient, secure tactical networks in denied or austere environments.

Chris Ivory, Chief Commercial and Government Business Officer at AST SpaceMobile, said: “This demonstration represents a significant leap forward in advancing resilient, secure communications capabilities for the U.S. defense community. We are proud to help enable a new layer of mobile connectivity—directly from space to standard smartphones, with no need for specialized equipment, in support of national security objectives.”

Timothy Hillner, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Fairwinds Technologies, added: “This is just the beginning. We’re honored to collaborate with AST SpaceMobile and the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver next-generation communications at the tactical edge – precisely where and when they’re needed most. Together, we’re enabling the future of command and control.”

This was the first in a series of planned prototype demonstrations to evaluate space-based mobile broadband for defense applications, with additional testing, including over open ocean environments, planned in the coming months as the team continues to push the boundaries of multi-domain, space-based tactical communications.