An experimental Lockheed Martin payload launched in December will test new cloud networking capabilities that could be of interest to the Pentagon, which wants to develop its own mesh network in low earth orbit by 2022.

Developed in just nine months, the company’s Pony Express 1 mission will test new capabilities enabled by software-defined technology.

The military has grown increasingly interested in building an on orbit computing capability that can use the vast amount of data satellite sensors collect for new missions, including Beyond Line of Sight targeting and tracking hypersonic weapons.

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