SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has landed on a new platform – the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The U.S. Navy has integrated Starlink, enabling gigabit internet speeds aboard the carrier. This advancement aims to boost both operational efficiency and crew morale.
The initiative, known as SEA2 (Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore), was spearheaded by Cmdr. Kevin White, a combat systems officer on the carrier. It leverages low-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet to naval ships and shore sites. This marks a significant shift from the traditional reliance on Department of Defense satellites in geostationary orbit, which resulted in slower data rates.
The need for improved connectivity became even more pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic, when port calls were restricted, isolating ships from the rest of the world. This new system aims to alleviate such issues in the future, offering a more reliable and faster communication network.
SEA2, with support from NAVWAR’s Digital Engineering office and PEO Digital and Enterprise Services, was fast-tracked and achieved cybersecurity certification. This has significantly improved the quality of life and work for sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The report highlights the positive impact: “Sailors’ morale and work output have been bolstered by the fast, stable, and secure connection it provides. A new Internet culture has also been developed, centered around the safe and healthy consumption of Wi-Fi aboard an active warship.” This newfound connectivity even facilitated a Super Bowl watch party live during the testing phase of SEA2, a first for the ship.
The deployment of Starlink on the USS Abraham Lincoln represents a broader trend of expanding high-speed internet connectivity through SpaceX’s Starlink network. Starlink has already enhanced connectivity on Carnival Corp. cruise ships and Antarctic research vessels, significantly improving communication for those in remote locations. In July, SpaceX announced that Starlink now provides internet connectivity to over 1,000 aircraft globally, enabling passengers to make video calls and play online games during flights.
The integration of Starlink on the USS Abraham Lincoln signifies a turning point in naval communication, showcasing the potential of SpaceX’s satellite network to transform connectivity across various sectors, from military operations to remote research and travel.
