Kratos' OpenSpace® Satellite Ground Platform Achieves MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet Certification

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a leading technology company in the defense and security sectors, has made a groundbreaking announcement. The company’s OpenSpace® Platform has become the first fully virtualized satellite ground system to achieve MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification. This achievement positions Kratos as a pioneer in the industry, enabling satellite operators to deliver and manage their services more efficiently.

The OpenSpace Platform is a software-defined solution that utilizes industry standards adopted by global terrestrial and mobile network carriers. By leveraging MEF’s Carrier Ethernet (CE) standard, OpenSpace allows satellite service networks to seamlessly integrate with terrestrial and cellular transport networks. This convergence of satellite and telecom networks is predicted to generate revenue gains of $35 billion by 2035, according to the GSMA.

Traditionally, global communications carriers have viewed satellite as the “transport of last resort.” However, with the MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification, the OpenSpace Platform has proven its ability to meet the highest telecom and cloud industry interconnectivity standards. This validation empowers satellite operators to mainstream their services and deliver dynamic, performance-enhanced, orchestrated solutions through global telecom networks.

The certification process involved Kratos passing a comprehensive set of test cases to ensure interoperability in a multi-vendor global network environment. By achieving MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification, Kratos demonstrates its commitment to simplified, pre-validated functionality for buyers and frictionless implementation and partnering.

Intelsat, one of the world’s largest commercial satellite operators, has chosen to employ the OpenSpace Platform as part of its advanced network. Intelsat’s network will deliver services over their new family of software-defined satellites. Carmel Ortiz, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Intelsat, expressed enthusiasm for the OpenSpace Platform’s MEF 3.0 certification, stating that it supports their efforts towards end-to-end network interoperability and represents an important milestone for OpenSpace.

Kevin Vachon, Chief Operating Officer at MEF, commended Kratos on achieving MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification. He emphasized the value that certification provides in enabling the seamless delivery of satellite services across global provider networks. Carrier Ethernet brings service automation, scalability, and end-to-end QoS and SLA visibility to network operations, making it an essential component for telecommunications operations.

Kratos’ OpenSpace family of solutions is driving the digital transformation of satellite ground systems, making them more dynamic and powerful. The family consists of three product lines: OpenSpace SpectralNet, OpenSpace quantum products, and the OpenSpace Platform. These solutions enable satellite operators and service providers to implement digital operations at their own pace, aligning with their unique mission goals and business models.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a technology company that develops and fields transformative, affordable systems, products, and solutions for United States National Security, allies, and global commercial enterprises. Kratos is known for its ability to rapidly bring breakthrough technology to market at a low cost, focusing on tangible products, systems, and technologies.

With this significant achievement, Kratos is solidifying its position as a technology disruptor in various core market areas, including Space and Satellite Communications, Cyber Security and Warfare, Unmanned Systems, Rocket and Hypersonic Systems, Next-Generation Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems, Microwave Electronics, C5ISR, and Virtual and Augmented Reality Training Systems.

Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform and its MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification mark a significant milestone in the integration of satellite and telecommunications networks. This achievement will unlock new opportunities for both industries, expanding the addressable market for satellite communications and enabling terrestrial network providers to reach remote users who were previously inaccessible through fiber or cellular technologies.

For more information about Kratos’ OpenSpace dynamic ground solutions, visit their website. To learn more about the integration of telecom and satellite networks, read NSR’s white paper.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is at the forefront of innovation, revolutionizing the way technology is brought to market. With their transformative solutions and commitment to excellence, Kratos is poised to shape the future of the defense, security, and satellite industries.