Variable playback rate of streaming content for uninterrupted handover in a communication system

A system for providing media content to a media client on a craft, comprising:

• a memory comprising computer-executable code;
• a media buffer;
• a transceiver;
• at least one processor in data communication with the media buffer, the transceiver, and the memory, and configured to execute the computer-executable code and cause the system to:
• initiate a first streaming media session with a remote content server via the transceiver using a first communication link;
• receive, via the transceiver, linear media data associated with the first streaming media session at a first transmission rate over the first communication link;
• buffer the linear media data associated with the first streaming media session in the media buffer at a first buffer size;
• provide buffered linear media data associated with the first streaming media session from the media buffer for consumption on the media client at a first media playback rate;
• prior to an expected link transition initiation time, increase buffering of the received linear media data in the media buffer from the first buffer size to a second buffer size by providing the buffered linear media data associated with the first streaming media session from the media buffer for consumption on the media client at a second media playback rate, the second media playback rate being lower than the first media playback rate;
• and
• provide, during a link transition time associated with the expected link transition initiation time, at least a portion of the buffered linear media data associated with the first streaming media session from the media buffer for consumption on the media client.