US Navy began using Starlink satellite network because Pentagon communications are too slow

At the end of August 2024, it became known that the US Navy began using SpaceX's Starlink satellite communications to provide a high-speed network at all its bases and ships. Previously, the Navy used the Pentagon system, but communications provided by six geostationary satellites became too slow for new tasks.

The application of satellites in low Earth orbit can improve the connection speed, and ships equipped with the installations of these service providers are expected to be able to achieve a data transfer rate of about 1 Gbps.

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The use of Starlink satellites in the Navy began with Kevin White, a combat systems officer aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Equipped with Starlink and OneWeb equipment, this vessel has been using high-speed connectivity for both tactical and non-military purposes for several years, such as broadcasting sports matches.

The new feature is called Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore or SEA2, and was launched in record time. The Navy realized the need for modernization during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due to restrictions imposed by different countries, the ships could not enter the ports, due to which their connection with the rest of the world was sometimes completely interrupted. The new system must solve this problem.

It is estimated that the US Navy will gain access to Starlink through SpaceX's Starshield program, which is designed to provide satellite Internet connectivity to government agencies. In 2023, SpaceX entered into a contract with the Pentagon to supply Starshield communications facilities for the US military.

We intend to maximize the benefit of installing new systems, "said Rob Walborski, chief engineer of the Naval Information Systems Command. - The new link reflects significant progress in the quality of service to naval vessels, both in relation to the quality of life of sailors and in relation to the quality of work.[1]

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