Image is courtesy of U.S. Space Systems Command.
The United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) continues to transform the way satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities are acquired. The Command has awarded a Protected Tactical Satellite Communications (SATCOM) – Global (PTS-G) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and initial five Firm Fixed Price orders under Delivery Order 1 (DO1) totaling $37.5 million to the following companies:
- Viasat, Inc.
- Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- Astranis Space Technologies Corp
- Intelsat General Communications LLC
- The Boeing Company
PTS-G delivers resilience to military users worldwide with proliferated small satellites providing anti-jam capability in Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). The DoD requires wideband global assured access for the tactical warfighter, ensuring their freedom to connect anytime, anywhere operations require. PTS-G is the cost-effective component of Space Force architecture that takes advantage of the advanced PTW waveform while maximizing use of existing user and gateway terminals.
During the first delivery order, each awardee will mature a design and provide demonstrations based upon their established commercial product lines, to meet PTS-G requirements. The results of this initial order will inform subsequent competition for follow-on production orders.
The initial PTS-G IDIQ award will be followed by an award in 2026 for the production of PTS-G Space Vehicles to meet IOC capability, with a projected launch in 2028, putting the first PTS-G satellite into orbit. A second wave of production awards for additional PTS-G satellite capability is planned for 2028, with launch planned for 2031.
Our PTS-G contract transforms how SSC acquires SATCOM capability for the warfighter,” said Cordell DeLaPena, Jr., program executive officer for SSC Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing. “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.”
Erin Carper, division chief for SSC Tactical SATCOM, said, “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.”
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations.