In defense technology, mission success relies on the laws of physics and robust system architecture. In recent discussions across government and industry, I’ve shared a series of strategic insights on where our industry is heading.
1. Why “Bent Pipe” Architecture is the NTN Tactical Winner
There is an ongoing debate between Bent Pipe and Regenerative architectures. Based on my analysis, Bent Pipe is the optimal choice for tactical Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
The Logic: Bent Pipe keeps complex electronics and gNB functions on the ground.
Proper Focus Factor: Allows the system design to focus on what matters which is the massive antennas required to close the communications link with mobile phones.
The Agility Factor: This allows for maintenance and security updates to happen instantly on the ground without waiting for satellite hardware cycles.
The Reality: This is why we designed the CyberWave™ to be an intelligent edge node. It ensures the warfighter has a resilient link that remains up to date in real time.
2. Physics Doesn’t Lie: The Truth About Ka-Band for Direct-to-Cell
The industry is pushing toward Ka-Band (FR2) for bandwidth, but physics presents a major roadblock for Direct-to-Cell (D2C) applications.
The Challenge: Electromagnetic waves at these frequencies are heavily scattered by trees and buildings.
The Reality: Reliable D2C at Ka-Band is physically inconsistent for mission-critical needs.
Our Approach: Assured Space focuses on frequency resilience. We ensure our systems, like the CapLink Array™, perform where physics causes others to fail.
3. Security Without Sacrifice: The Post-Quantum Reality
As we move toward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) using Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) defined by NIST FIPS 203, the concern is that security will slow down the mission. Multiple tests by third party companies show that implementing ML-KEM affects round-trip latency by as little as 0.1%. In one scenario, it is faster than traditional methods.
The Result: We are integrating these quantum-resistant protocols into our 5G CyberBase™ and 5G CyberWave™ routers. You get the highest level of security without compromising operational speed.
4. Zero Trust: Accelerating the Mandate
While the industry often faces challenges in adopting new security standards, Assured Space is prepared for immediate transition.
The Strategy: We don’t wait for a 10-year adoption cycle. We build our tactical routers with Zero Trust (ZT) principles, continuous verification, and least-privilege access as standard.
The Mission: Our goal is to close the security gap for our clients by providing a “future-proof” infrastructure that meets the most critical government requirements today, not years from now.
Engineering with Purpose
The future belongs to those who combine visionary thinking with agile engineering. Assured Space is committed to providing technology that enables mission success today.
About Assured Space
Founded in 2001, Assured Space is a Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in advanced RF solutions for defense and aerospace applications. Headquartered in Arizona with operations across the U.S., Assured Space provides advanced phased array antenna systems, scalable ZT 5G solutions, mission-ready RF payloads, custom sensors, and next-generation designs for active and passive beamforming, supporting multi-orbit satellite communications and ground radar antenna systems.
Media Contact: John Macdonald, Chief Growth Officer, contact info@assuredspace.com
