Space Systems Command (SSC) of the U.S. Space Force has awarded an initial $37.5 million in contracts for its Protected Tactical Satellite Communications – Global (PTS-G) program, introducing a new method for acquiring satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities.
Contracts were awarded to five companies: Viasat, Northrop Grumman Systems, Astranis Space Technologies, Intelsat, and The Boeing Company. The PTS-G program aims to provide military users with resilient, anti-jam SATCOM capabilities utilizing small satellites in Geosynchronous orbit, leveraging commercial products for enhanced speed and efficiency.
According to Cordell DeLaPena, Jr., the program executive officer for SSC, the contract “transforms how SSC acquires SATCOM capability” by integrating commercial designs to address emerging threats. Erin Carper, division chief for SSC Tactical SATCOM, noted that the strategy “ensures value for the DoD and taxpayer while driving competition.”
Each company will refine its designs and provide demonstrations during the first delivery order. The first PTS-G satellite is expected to launch in 2028, with additional launches planned for 2031.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our PTS-G contract transforms how SSC acquires SATCOM capability for the warfighter. The incorporation of commercial baseline designs to meet military capability significantly enhances the Space Force’s speed and efficiency to add capability to meet emerging threats.”
Cordell DeLaPena, Jr., program executive officer for SSC Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing
“By maximizing the use of commercially available products and awarding to a pool of offerors on this IDIQ contract, the Space Force ensures value for the DoD and taxpayer while driving competition and promoting the long-term viability of the SATCOM industrial base.”
Erin Carper, division chief for SSC Tactical SATCOM
