Insitu and Gogo Tested Satellite Drone Connectivity
The integration provides a high-bandwidth alternative to Starlink for unmanned aerial systems via OneWeb satellites.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Boeing subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Special Missions have successfully integrated the Galileo HDX antenna into the Integrator drone. This development provides military operators with a new satellite connectivity option utilizing the Eutelsat OneWeb low-Earth orbit network.
Why it matters
The project offers a high-bandwidth alternative to Starlink, addressing the need for redundant satellite communication options in defense applications. It enables greater operational flexibility for Group 3 unmanned aerial systems by expanding connectivity providers.
The system utilizes the Galileo HDX antenna for connectivity via the Eutelsat OneWeb low-Earth orbit constellation. This hardware is now confirmed compatible with the Integrator drone, a Group 3 unmanned aerial system.
The players
Insitu
A Boeing subsidiary specializing in the design and manufacture of unmanned aerial systems for military and commercial use.
Gogo Special Missions
A division of Gogo providing specialized aviation communications technology and satellite connectivity hardware for mission-critical aircraft.
Eutelsat
A global satellite operator that manages the OneWeb low-Earth orbit network for high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity.
The details
The integration adapts the Galileo HDX antenna—a lightweight communications terminal designed for aircraft—to function on the Insitu Integrator, a Group 3 unmanned aerial system (UAS). By leveraging the OneWeb low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, the platform maintains a data link as satellites pass overhead at high speeds. This configuration provides high-bandwidth data transmission, functioning as a technical alternative to existing Starlink-based communication architectures for military drone fleets.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The test results were officially reported.
The Tech Race
This development marks a departure from reliance on Starlink for aviation by validating a competing LEO satellite connectivity provider for drone platforms. The move signals an industry push to diversify satellite communication supply chains for critical defense hardware.
Defense contractors and military operators gain a new, redundant connectivity option for their drone fleets. Future adoption will depend on platform-specific certification and the deployment of compatible ground-based network infrastructure.
The takeaway
The successful integration of the Galileo HDX antenna proves that Group 3 drones can access non-Starlink LEO networks for high-bandwidth missions. Industry observers should monitor future reports for latency benchmarks and successful deployment in contested operational environments.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure, explore the Telecommunications archive.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Defense Post.
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