Military and defense operations frequently extend beyond the reach or reliability of terrestrial communications. Teams, vehicles, vessels, unmanned systems and remote sensors may still need to exchange information in areas with limited infrastructure or where existing networks have been disrupted.
Satellite IoT provides a way to maintain visibility and communications across these environments. The appropriate solution will depend on what needs to be connected, the amount and urgency of the data, available power and the security requirements of the operation.
This guide introduces the principal ways satellite IoT can support military and defense applications and the factors to consider when planning a deployment.
Where Does Satellite IoT Fit?
Satellite IoT is designed to connect equipment and people that need to exchange relatively small or moderate amounts of operational data beyond terrestrial coverage.
Depending on the equipment and satellite service, this can include:
- Position and tracking reports
- Short messages and emergency alerts
- Sensor and biometric readings
- Vehicle and equipment telemetry
- Commands for unmanned systems
- Images and compressed video
- One-way paging
Satellite may provide the primary communications link or complement existing cellular, radio and other terrestrial systems.
What Should You Consider?
Coverage and Operating Environment
Satellite connectivity can support operations in remote locations and areas with limited communications infrastructure, provided the equipment has a suitable view of the sky.
The hardware must also be appropriate for the deployment environment. Consider temperature, water and dust exposure, shock, vibration, available power and how the device will be carried, mounted or integrated.
Some applications require compact modules for integration into other equipment, while others need rugged, field-ready devices that can be deployed without a separate enclosure.
Type and Volume of Data
The amount of data being sent has a significant effect on the choice of satellite service. Tracking reports, alerts and basic sensor readings can be carried using low-data messaging. Larger sensor payloads, imagery and more advanced command workflows may require higher-capacity messaging or an IP connection.
Before selecting a service, consider:
- The size of each transmission
- How often data must be sent
- Whether communication is one way or two way
- Whether messages can be stored and delivered later
- Whether near-real-time communication is required
- Whether imagery or video must be compressed before transmission.
Sending only the information needed for the operation can reduce airtime use and preserve battery life.
Power and Equipment Size
Personnel-carried devices, remote sensors and unmanned platforms may have strict limits on power, weight and available space.
Reporting frequency, transmission size and the time a device remains active will all affect energy use. Systems can conserve power by remaining in a low-power state between transmissions and sending data only at scheduled intervals or when an event occurs.
The appropriate balance will depend on whether the equipment is carried by personnel, installed on a vehicle or vessel, or deployed unattended for extended periods.
Security Requirements
Security requirements differ between applications and should be considered across the complete data path. Depending on the deployment, options may include data encryption and a private VPN between Ground Control’s data center and the receiving server.
The communications architecture should also account for who can access the data, how devices are managed and whether the application requires a reduced RF footprint.
Positioning in GNSS-Denied Environments
GPS and other GNSS signals may be degraded, jammed or spoofed in contested environments.
Where positioning information is operationally important, satellite-based alternatives can provide an additional source of location and timing information. This can help teams maintain awareness and continuity when conventional GNSS cannot be relied upon.
Tracking and Two Way Messaging
One Way Paging
Soldier-Worn Sensors and Biometrics
Vehicle and Equipment Telemetry
Unmanned and Autonomous Systems
Remote Surveillance
Building Situational Awareness
The value of satellite IoT often comes from combining several types of data rather than treating each system independently.
Location reports, vehicle telemetry, sensor readings, biometric data and remote imagery can contribute to a broader view of personnel, assets and operational conditions.
The communications solution should therefore be planned around the complete information flow:
- What data is collected in the field
- What must be processed locally
- What needs to be transmitted
- How quickly it must arrive
- Where it will be delivered
- How it will be displayed or integrated with other systems.
Ground Control supports satellite devices, airtime and data delivery for a range of military and defense applications. The right combination will depend on the mission requirements rather than any single device or network.
Explore the Complete Guide
For a more detailed look at how these capabilities can be applied in practice, download the Mission-Ready Satellite IoT Solutions for Military and Defense eBook.
Discuss Your Requirements
Every deployment has different constraints around coverage, power, data, hardware integration and security.
Ground Control has more than 20 years of experience connecting hard-to-reach people and equipment and works with defense and government organizations around the world.
Contact our team to discuss your operational requirements and the most appropriate next steps.