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Space Force choose 5 for $4B secure communications contract
The service branch is seeking to incorporate commercial solutions into its hybrid architecture that includes purpose-built satellites.
Five companies have won positions on a five-year, $4 billion Space Force contract to build and deliver communications satellites for a proliferated network that would operate in geostationary orbit.
Space Force set up the Protected Tactical Satellite Communications-Global program to incorporate commercial solutions into a hybrid architecture that includes more purpose-built satellites.
The service branch received eight bids for PTS-G and on Monday listed these providers as awardees:
- Astranis Space Technologies
- Boeing
- Intelsat General (acquired by SES)
- Northrop Grumman
- Viasat
Space Force’s goal for PTS-G is to give operators resilient and secure satellite communications in contested environments, while also spurring further development of anti-jam technology to protect links.
Awardees will initially focus on design and demonstration efforts, then compete for delivery orders.