The contract was awarded by the Space Force’s acting portfolio acquisition executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing. The programme is managed by Space Systems Command’s System Delta 88, led by U.S. Space Force Col. A.J. Ashby.
Enhanced PTS-P is part of the Space Force’s force design and is intended to expand protected satellite communications for warfighters operating in highly contested environments. The prototype is designed to improve satellite communications performance during jamming through advanced antennas and space-based processing of the Protected Tactical Waveform.
“Enhanced PTS-P represents another important step in delivering more resilient, protected communications capabilities to the joint force,” said Erin Carper, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing.
“This capability will help ensure tactical users can operate with greater confidence in contested environments,” Carper added.
The Space Force said the acquisition strategy reflects Department of War acquisition transformation principles, including contractor accountability and affordability. The strategy also uses follow-on Other Transaction authorities, a flexible contracting path intended to help the government develop and prototype new capabilities faster.
Northrop Grumman was previously awarded prototype contracts and completed critical design reviews in 2021. The Space Force said the new effort will use an additional middle-tier acquisition period to deliver improved Protected Tactical Waveform satellite communications earlier on the path to full requirement satisfaction.
“Enhanced PTS-P pairs innovative technology with an acquisition approach designed to move faster and deliver protected SATCOM capabilities where they are needed most,” said Mozhdeh Najafabadi, PTS-P/R system program manager.
“That combination is essential as we acquire and employ more resilient space capabilities,” Najafabadi added.
The Space Force said Enhanced PTS-P is expected to inform future development of protected tactical satellite communications capabilities. The programme is also intended to demonstrate how the service can provide more responsive and resilient communications options for the joint force.
