The commercial small satellite market has long been hindered by the ground bottleneck—traditional hardware-heavy stations that require manual reconfiguration and weeks of onboarding.
In a statement released Tuesday, April 7, 2026, SSC Space (formerly Swedish Space Corporation) detailed how its new SSC Space Go service aims to resolve these constraints through virtualization and a globally distributed antenna network.
Transition to Virtualized Ground Systems
The launch of SSC Space Go marks a significant shift from hardware-defined to software-defined ground operations. In a critical technology partnership announced in early 2026, SSC Space confirmed the deployment of Kratos’ OpenSpace Platform as the core orchestration engine for the new service. By leveraging OpenSpace, the SSC Space Go network can automatically reconfigure its digital infrastructure for each satellite pass. This virtualization allows the network to interoperate with a wide range of satellite payloads and orbits without the need for mission-specific hardware at each site. The platform supports high-throughput wideband downlinks, telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C), and real-time stream recording.
Executive Perspective
“We chose OpenSpace because its orchestration and integrated signal processing deliver the scalability and flexibility required for LEO small sats in a way traditional hardware‑based options could not,” said Nicholas Priborsky, President of the Connect division at SSC Space. “OpenSpace is an enabler of our growth strategy, giving us the extensibility to evolve our services and introduce new network functions that unlock meaningful revenue opportunities across our global footprint.”
Global Infrastructure and Technical Specs
The SSC Space Go network is built around a standardized fleet of 4-meter class antennas. These systems are strategically positioned to provide maximum coverage for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, particularly polar orbits.
- Frequency Bands: Simultaneous dual-polarization support for S-band, X-band, and Ka-band.
- Station Locations: Initial sites include Esrange Space Center (Sweden), Alaska (USA), Inuvik (Canada), Western Australia Space Centre, and Punta Arenas (Chile).
- Connectivity: High-rate payload data handling with integrated security protocols for command link protection.
- Scheduling: Centralized cloud-based scheduling tools allow operators to reserve windows across the entire global network via a single interface.
Launch and Expansion
This ground segment evolution is part of a broader expansion for SSC Space. On March 16, 2026, the company signed a SEK 209 million agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to establish sovereign satellite launch capabilities from Esrange. While SSC Space Go is currently operational for commercial data delivery, the infrastructure is being integrated into a larger national capability. Under the leadership of CEO Charlotta Sund, SSC is working with Firefly Aerospace to prepare Launch Complex 3C at Esrange. These combined capabilities—launch and automated ground handling—are scheduled to reach full operational maturity by 2028, positioning Sweden as a primary hub for the European SmallSat market.
