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Boeing Co.’s drone subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Inc. successfully tested an Integrator military drone using satellite communications on Tuesday, giving defense customers another option as governments look to reduce reliance on Elon Musk-led Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s Starlink network. <\/p>\n
Integrator Adds OneWeb For Long-Range Missions <\/p>\n
A public press release reveals that Gogo Special Missions and Insitu integrated a modified Galileo HDX antenna onto the Integrator, a Group 3 uncrewed aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The companies said the setup connects through Eutelsat Communications SA OneWeb’s low-Earth-orbit network and requires no aircraft modifications. <\/p>\n
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“Adding an ITAR-free, high-speed SATCOM option is an essential capability for our global customers,” Insitu Vice President of Growth John Kelly said. He said the system would extend command-and-control range and allow “seamless backhaul of sensor data with minimal latency.” <\/p>\n
Insitu says Integrator can remain airborne for up to 27.5 hours, carry a 50-pound payload and that it supports both proliferated-LEO and geosynchronous satellite-control options. In 2024, the company demonstrated P-LEO control at distances up to 2,000 nautical miles. <\/p>\n
The Gogo system uses Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation of more than 600 satellites. Earlier this month, Eutelsat announced plans to procure 229 additional OneWeb satellites from Airbus SE to replenish and expand the constellation. <\/p>\n
Starlink Dominates As Governments Seek Alternatives <\/p>\n
Starlink still operates at a much larger scale. Reuters said its thousands of satellites dwarf rival constellations, while SpaceX’s Starlink and government-focused Starshield services have become increasingly important for military connectivity. <\/p>\n
Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your ‘Safe’ Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time<\/a> <\/p>\n Britain began using Starshield for military operations earlier this year. <\/p>\n SpaceX’s connectivity business generated $4.29 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 66% year over year. <\/p>\n Starlink Dependence Creates Friction Inside Pentagon <\/p>\n That dependence has also created friction. During the Iran war, SpaceX sought higher Pentagon payments for Starlink connectivity used on LUCAS attack drones, prompting concern among officials about relying too heavily on Musk’s company. The Pentagon ultimately accepted higher pricing while exploring alternatives. <\/p>\n Story Continues <\/p>\n SpaceX’s military footprint continues to grow. The Space Force awarded it a $2.29 billion secure satellite-data-network contract in May, while a separate $1.6 billion award covers 18 national-security launches. <\/p>\n Gogo and Insitu have not disclosed when the new Integrator configuration will enter service. <\/p>\n Photo courtesy: Shutterstock <\/p>\n Read Next: <\/p>\n Building Wealth Across More Than Just the Market <\/p>\n Building a resilient portfolio means thinking beyond a single asset or market trend. Economic cycles shift, sectors rise and fall, and no one investment performs well in every environment. That’s why many investors look to diversify with platforms that provide access to real estate, fixed-income opportunities, precious metals, and even self-directed retirement accounts. 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