MAG hosted the Project Argus experiment at our Florida Technology Integration & Interoperability Innovation Center in Titusville, FL – Space Coast Regional Airport (KTIX), bringing together six companies to develop and evaluate a C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solution. Named after the many eyed giant and watchman of the gods in Greek mythology, Project Argus created a multi-node mesh network, which enables the flow of information and other data in locations where a near-peer threat can block and prevent all communications. This multi-mesh Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications system is capable of autonomously switching between communication channels — such as SATCOM, 5G, and Line-of-Sight (LOS) — ensuring consistent data flow in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent, or low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments. The event not only showcased the potential of cutting-edge technology but also highlighted the MAG-led team’s ability to problem-solve in real time.
Building a Successful Team
MAG assembled a diverse group of industry experts in just 60 days, rapidly developing a prototype solution and advancing it to live airborne testing. This effort required integrating technologies from multiple vendors to create a resilient, transport-agnostic architecture. The team prioritized open systems to prevent vendor lock-in and promote interoperability — a critical factor in developing flexible, adaptable solutions for military operations.
This approach demonstrated the potential for smaller businesses to drive innovation quickly and efficiently. The ability to move from concept to execution in such a short timeframe exemplifies the kind of responsiveness that modern defense challenges require. The collaboration between MAG,
SAS, Persistent Systems, SATCOM Direct, One Web, SpaceX/Starlink, Verizon, and other partners ensured a broad range of expertise, which was instrumental in overcoming technical challenges as they arose.
Problem-Solving in Action
During the live testing, the team encountered unexpected data transmission issues across multiple nodes. Integrating commercial and military communication networks revealed compatibility gaps that needed immediate resolution. Engineers from Persistent Systems and SATCOM Direct worked quickly to troubleshoot network nodes, while MAG’s integration team adjusted the Artificial Intelligence/ Machine
Learning (AI/ML) algorithms to adapt to shifting data pathways. Major challenges arose when the primary SATCOM connection failed. Due to the system’s transport-agnostic design, the team seamlessly switched to alternative communication channels provided by One Web and SpaceX/Starlink. This quick response validated the system’s ability to maintain data integrity even when primary communication methods were disrupted.
Additionally, the deployment of AI at the network’s edge required further refinement during the experiment. Initial algorithms struggled with target prioritization in fast-changing environments. SAS collaborated directly with the test team to fine-tune the machine learning models in real time, enhancing the system’s ability to identify and relay critical data efficiently.
These quick adjustments and collaborative problem-solving efforts demonstrated the power of MAG’s agile development approach. Our team’s ability to adapt on the fly ensured the tests continued without delay and provided valuable insights into refining the technology further.
Key Outcomes
By the end of the testing, the team successfully demonstrated the system’s ability to autonomously distribute data across multiple echelons, using diverse communication channels while maintaining consistent data flow.
The system’s resilience and flexibility exceeded initial expectations, proving operational readiness and highlighting the benefits of transport-agnostic architecture.
The experiment also showcased the effectiveness of integrating AI/ML algorithms directly at the edge, allowing operators to process and act on critical information faster without relying on centralized analysis. These advancements represent a significant step forward in developing solutions capable of thriving in contested environments.
Looking Ahead
The Argus testing highlighted the value of close collaboration between industry partners to meet our clients’ toughest challenges. The ability to quickly adapt to challenges and refine solutions in real time sets a new standard for how emerging technologies can be tested and operationalized. The lessons learned from this event will continue to shape the development of resilient C5ISR solutions. The success of the Argus testing demonstrates that MAG can deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions rapidly and effectively.
