Pentagon’s DIU Accelerates ‘Hack-Proof’ Space Internet: 2026 Pilot Planned
The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is aggressively pushing forward with its ambitious Hybrid Space Architecture (HSA) program, aiming to create a highly resilient and secure "Internet of Things" in space. This network will seamlessly link commercial and government SATCOM birds, creating a jam-proof communication system designed to support critical military operations.
DIU recently announced the addition of 13 companies to the HSA program, bringing the total number of participants to 25. This expansion includes a mix of software startups and established defense industry giants. The goal? To pilot an operational hybrid commercial and government space architecture by 2026.
New contracts have been awarded to companies like Capella Space, EdgeCortix, Eutelsat America (OneWeb Technologies' US arm), Lockheed Martin Space, and Viasat, among others. These companies will contribute to building a network resistant to jamming and capable of optimizing data transport even under adverse weather conditions or obstructions.
According to Steve “Bucky” Butow, director of DIU’s Space Portfolio, the rapid integration and delivery of this hybrid space network architecture are a testament to DIU's process of empowering commercial innovators to solve complex problems at speed and scale. This approach is particularly crucial in the context of rapidly evolving threats in space.
The HSA program is deeply connected to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) vision of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). This concept aims to connect military forces and their information-sharing systems across all domains – air, space, sea, land, and cyber. A secure and agile communications backbone is essential to achieving this vision.
The project team plans to activate a live hybrid network soon for demonstrations, exercise support, and further integration of tactics and warfighting capabilities. Demos are scheduled to start this summer. The initiative involves multiple DoD and government partners, including the Space Force’s Space Systems Command, Naval Research Laboratory, and other U.S. government agencies.
Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo of Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office emphasized the power of government and industry collaboration in delivering real-world capability at speed. DIU’s Cyber and AI teams are also coordinating to address the challenges and meet the project goals.
Ultimately, the Hybrid Space Architecture seeks to integrate commercial persistent sensing, data fusion, high-performance edge computing, and resilient data transport capabilities. This integration will significantly enhance real-time access to information and support more effective decision-making at the edge.
Will this initiative truly create a "hack-proof" internet in space? How will this new architecture impact the future of military communications and space operations? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
