The contracts cover production of the first two operational satellites of the PTS-G system. The initial satellite set is known as Swarm 1 and includes manufacturing, integration and test, launch, and on-orbit checkout.
PTS-G is part of the Space Force’s resilient satellite communications architecture. The system is designed to provide tactical warfighters with worldwide transponded communications using both Protected Tactical Waveform and non-PTW waveforms.
The program is intended to support existing legacy wideband users while also deploying anti-jam satellite communications. The Space Force said this capability is needed to counter emerging threats and ensure connectivity in denied environments.
“PTS-G is a pivotal element of the Space Force’s strategy to deliver a more resilient and capable satellite communications architecture,” said Erin Carper, acting portfolio acquisition executive for Satellite Communications & Positioning, Navigation, and Timing. “By leveraging commercial innovation and a novel competitive approach, Space Systems Command is accelerating the delivery of critical worldwide, anti-jam capabilities to the warfighter, ensuring they can operate effectively in the face of determined adversaries.”
Swarm 1 will operate in geosynchronous orbit. The Space Force said it will add critical capability to existing military satellite communications capacity and enhance operational flexibility for combatant commanders.
The system uses a transponded design with dedicated military Ka-band and X-band payloads. It also provides backward compatibility with legacy Tactical SATCOM systems.
The Space Force said this compatibility will allow PTS-G to provide worldwide communications to existing wideband users. It said the approach also creates a cost-effective path to modernising the force.
The transponded design and backward compatibility also provide a resilient communications layer through Protected Tactical Waveform. The Space Force said PTW enables advanced anti-jam capabilities.
The capability is intended to help warfighters maintain communications and connectivity in denied environments. It also supports operations in contested environments at any time and in any location.
“These awards represent a significant step forward in Space Systems Command’s commitment to acquisition transformation,” said Lt. Col. Richard Lanser, acting system program director for Tactical SATCOM at SSC’s System Delta 88. “PTS-G’s acquisition approach leverages commercial industry and technologies to revitalize the defense industrial base, maximize flexibility and foster enduring competition to ensure long-term affordability.”
“These innovations allow the Space Force to outpace emerging threats and deliver the resilient space capabilities our warfighters need at the speed of relevance,” Lanser said. The Space Force said the Swarm 1 approach uses competition with commercial partners to accelerate delivery while reducing long-term costs.
Space Systems Command said the strategy supports its mission to deliver space capabilities that ensure U.S. space superiority. The command said the program is also intended to help deter aggression in the space domain.
