Pentagon wants to create an outernet in space: why the military analogue of the Internet in orbit

According to Colonel Eric Felt, director of architecture and integration at the US Air Force Space Center, Outernet will become a kind of analogue of the earthly Internet, the essence of which in reliable and secret transmission of data between all US and their allies. The US space forces are now considering new options for combining traditional Satcom networks and commercial satellites to help ensure clear and encrypted data transmission.

This hybrid approach to combining commercial and military networks with different levels of safety offers a "broader look" how and what data can be transmitted in space, using several connection routes.

Space forces conduct similar research on the projection of systems in all areas of activity, taking into account the system for the prevention and tracking of rocket threats, the development of which they have completed in 2022, and the introduction of space sensors that can be used to track moving goals. The Pentagon already considers how to best integrate opportunities from commercial companies and international allies into one space system.

To do this, certain approaches should be applied, such as reducing the secrecy of certain programs or launching smaller satellites that will facilitate the involvement of new partners in the Outhernet program. But the most important issue that is considered in the Auternet project is the problem of exporting military technologies. Since the number of secrecy of programs is much higher in the space portfolio than in other terrestrial combat systems, there are special restrictions on export.

In the Pentagon, they want to facilitate this process to make this process, establishing "export base lines", where they can solve predictable problems in advance. "We are now trying to remove as much political obstacles as possible before the implementation of the Auternet project will have problems that the Allies will face through bureaucratic prohibitions in obtaining information or technology," the US military state state.

Space forces also conduct research and analyze what types of opportunities can best meet the needs of their international partners, especially when they want to buy great satellite constellations. In some cases, another country can buy access to a satellite rather than buy a physical system that can solve export problems, the military says. Another main issue that the US space forces should solve is insufficient funding and staff.