#United States #Washington #U.S. Navy #Rivada Space #Outernet

Overview of Rivada's Contract with the U.S. Navy

In a significant move towards modernizing naval communications, the U.S. Navy has awarded Rivada Space Networks a contract to develop Virtual Network Operator capabilities based on Rivada's innovative Outernet satellite constellation. This collaboration is aimed at delivering highly secure, ultra-low latency connectivity, which is essential for the Navy's operations across vast marine environments.

The Outernet Technology

Rivada's Outernet is a next-generation satellite communication network composed of a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. When fully operational, it promises to deliver gigabit speeds globally without reliance on third-party internet infrastructure. This capability is particularly vital for defense applications which require robust and secure communications.

In contrast to traditional satellite systems, Rivada's architecture ensures that data travels within space from its origin to its destination, achieving unique routing and switching via inter-satellite laser links. This innovation enables an optical mesh network that offers unrivaled latency and security compared to terrestrial fiber networks, especially over long distances.

Navy's Needs and Rivada's Solutions

The Navy faces ongoing challenges in maintaining reliable ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communications. To address this, Rivada's first phase of the project will involve collaborative engineering efforts with the Navy to tailor a Virtual Network architecture that aligns with naval operational requirements.

The Outernet network is designed with resilience and security in mind, making it ideal for national defense applications that demand secure, high-bandwidth connectivity. By eliminating the need for gateways, Rivada's architecture provides an added layer of security for military communications, a critical factor in a rapidly evolving landscape of global threats.

Statements from Rivada's Leadership

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Networks, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership, stating, "The Rivada Outernet's proliferated LEO architecture is resilient by design and suitably built for this type of use-case. We are thrilled that the U.S. Navy recognizes the value of what we are developing and look forward to delivering an operational framework that meets its specifications."

Additionally, Commander Nick Goddard, Director of Operations of U.S. Navy Cyber Command, commented on Rivada's innovative LEO constellation, emphasizing its unique advantages for zero trust networking and high symmetrical throughput capabilities. He highlighted the necessity for continuous innovation in response to evolving adversarial tactics, reaffirming the Navy's commitment to advancing its operational competencies through Rivada's solutions.

The Broader Implications

This contract not only signifies a partnership between a leading edge satellite company and a crucial branch of the U.S. military but also promises a transformation in how defense entities can utilize space-based technology for critical communications. Rivada is paving the way for more secure and efficient networks that meet the needs of modern military operations and may alter the future landscape of satellite communications in various sectors, including enterprise and government services.

In summary, the collaboration between Rivada and the U.S. Navy marks a pivotal moment in the deployment of satellite-based communication networks, enhancing operational capability, security, and resilience in military operations. The future of naval connectivity looks promising with Rivada's advanced technologies leading the charge on a global scale.