Secure Satellite Communications for U.S. Government Users
Trusted. Secure. Always On.
U.S. national security depends on communications that function under attack, disruption, and uncertainty. As threats expand across space, cyber, electromagnetic, and physical domains, connectivity can no longer be assumed—it must be resilient by design.
Iridium enables resilient, always-on satellite communications that protect mission continuity for the U.S. government and its coalition partners where other networks cannot reach. From homeland defense to forward-deployed forces and crisis response, we provide secure connections that underpin national security operations.
Connectivity When It Matters Most
Communications increasingly rely on hybrid, multi-orbit architectures. In this environment, our low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation provides the indispensable assured layer. Our L-band signals remain resilient in denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited (DDIL) environments, preserving the links that enable mission execution anywhere on the planet.
- Command and control (C2)
- Secure voice and messaging
- Tracking and telemetry
- Primary, Alternate, Contingency, or Emergency layers within PACE planning
Security and Sovereignty
National security missions demand absolute trust. We operate a fully crosslinked LEO constellation with dedicated government infrastructure and Type 1-certified security.
- U.S. government-owned and operated service center
- End-to-end encryption
- Proven support for sensitive, classified, and tactical operations
Advancing the Future of National Defense Space
We’re applying decades of experience managing a global satellite network to help the U.S. government strengthen and modernize national defense space infrastructure.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) selected Iridium and General Dynamics Mission Systems to develop and deliver critical ground entry points and operations centers for the National Defense Space Architecture. Under this contract, we’re helping to provide the network operations and systems integration required to support SDA’s next tranche of proliferated low-Earth orbit satellites.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, so do our capabilities. Behind our network is a growing team of career space specialists, veterans, and mission engineers who understand government operational requirements firsthand. Through collaboration with our valued partners and customers, we’re designing, creating, and sustaining systems that meet the real-world demands of national security missions.
Mission Assurance for Autonomous Operations Anywhere
Our network and hardware enable continuous beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations in uncrewed air, sea, and land systems, leading to smarter, safer, and more efficient mission execution.
Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services
U.S. government users can take immediate advantage of unlimited voice and narrowband data for an unlimited number of subscribers through a multi-year contract between Iridium and the U.S. Space Force.
Mission Support Services
Enabling secure, global connectivity for defense, intelligence, and federal operations.
Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD)
Developed for government users, ESBD offers end-to-end transmission security (TRANSEC) and greater payload capacity for one- or two-way messaging than Iridium Short Burst Data® (SBD®). It's ideal for C2, remote monitoring/tracking, and unattended sensors.
Iridium Certus®
Iridium Certus provides reliable broadband connectivity for voice, data, and video, even in denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited (DDIL) environments. With support for mobile and fixed terminals, it enables real-time situational awareness, command and control, and interoperability across air, land, sea, and space domains.
Iridium Burst®
High-power, one-way broadcast communications designed for resilient operations in denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited environments. Enables assured data delivery to one or many platforms when persistent autonomy is critical.
Managed Access DNX (coming soon)
Our next-generation distributed tactical communications system (DTCS) will enable C2 in dynamic operational environments. MA-DNX seamlessly connects field and web-based users across dispersed locations, supporting mission success through secure, interoperable communications.
Featured Products
Learn more about the solutions Iridium enables.
Connect Confidently. Operate Globally.
Rely on Iridium’s proven, secure satellite communications network to keep your mission connected—anywhere on the planet.