Space Force Awards $37M Contracts to 5 Firms for Jam-Resistant Satcoms, $4B Ceiling

The Space Force has awarded contracts to five companies, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Viasat, and Astranis, to develop purpose-built satellites for jam-resistant communications. The program has a $4 billion award ceiling and aims to provide secure battlefield communications to tactical forces. The initial contracts total $37.3 million, with each firm developing its architectures through January 2026 and the Space Force selecting one design for a satellite launch in 2028.

The U.S. Space Force has awarded contracts totaling $37.3 million to five companies, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Viasat, and Astranis, to develop purpose-built satellites for jam-resistant communications. The program, with a $4 billion award ceiling, aims to provide secure battlefield communications to tactical forces. The initial contracts will run through January 2026, with the Space Force selecting one design for a satellite launch in 2028 [1].

The Space Force has been actively pursuing advanced satellite communications technologies to enhance its capabilities in providing secure and reliable communications for military operations. The new program is part of a broader initiative to modernize and expand the Space Force's satellite constellation, ensuring that it can withstand potential jamming and other forms of interference.

The selected firms will develop their architectures over the next 18 months, with the Space Force expected to make a final decision on the design to be launched in 2028. The program is seen as a significant step towards enhancing the Space Force's ability to support tactical operations with secure and resilient communications.

Astranis, one of the selected firms, has previously demonstrated its capabilities in designing and manufacturing small satellites. The company was recently selected to design the Protected Tactical Satellite (PTS-G) spacecraft for the Space Force, showcasing its expertise in developing secure communications technologies [2].

The contracts awarded are part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to invest in innovative technologies that can provide a strategic advantage in military operations. The Space Force's focus on jam-resistant communications reflects its commitment to ensuring that its forces can operate effectively in contested environments.

References:
[1] https://spacenews.com/space-force-selects-five-firms-for-protected-tactical-satcom-design-contracts/
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250729385279/blacksky-wins-next-phase-of-us-navy-optical-inter-satellite-link-research-contract-to-advance-gen-3-communications-for-time-dominant-military-operations