Advanced EHF MILSATCOM (SPACE)

The Advanced EHF MILSATCOM (SPACE) program, managed by the U.S. Air Force and Space Force under Program Element PE 1206431SF, is focused on developing and demonstrating next-generation military satellite communications capabilities. The primary goal is to evolve current and future SATCOM systems through the Space Modernization Initiative (SMI), which aims to create a more affordable, resilient, and integrated enterprise capable of meeting both near-term and emerging operational requirements. This initiative supports tactical-level military SATCOM users by providing protected, anti-jam communications in contested environments, leveraging advanced technologies and concepts of operations.

The Space Modernization Initiative (SMI) is the central line item within this program, with objectives centered on demonstrating and maturing technologies for the Protected Anti-jam Tactical SATCOM (PATS) family-of-systems. PATS integrates the Protected Tactical Satellite Communications (PTS) and Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) programs, both of which utilize the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) to mitigate adversarial jamming. SMI specifically includes the development of the Air Force - Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M), which is designed to be PTW-capable, offering high throughput and enhanced anti-jam capabilities for both benign and contested operational environments.

A key objective for FY 2026 is the completion of Global Broadcast Service (GBS) capability development, which will provide protected, transmission-secure communications for Joint Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Ground Mobile Forces. The GBS functionality is being integrated into PATS modems, enabling a worldwide, high-capacity satellite broadcast system to deliver classified and unclassified intelligence products such as full-motion video, imagery, and data to garrisoned, deployed, or mobile forces. This integration requires the development of man-portable, TRANSEC-capable modems that are compliant with national information assurance policies and technical requirements documents.

Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued software and firmware updates for the A3M modem, specifically to add GBS legacy DVB-S2 broadcast compatibility and to support integration with GBS receive suites. These efforts involve technical baseline updates, training package development, cybersecurity enhancements, and finalization of integration activities. The program will also conduct architecture updates for the Satellite Broadcast Manager (SBM) to ensure compatibility with Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and PATS, as well as extensive test planning and execution to validate system resiliency and situational awareness in contested space domains.

In FY 2026, the program will focus on conducting the Small Form Factor (SFF) Critical Design Review, finalizing and completing prototypes of SFF TRANSEC modems, and preparing for Production Readiness Reviews. Initial Engineering Development Models will be delivered for testing and certification, with rapid response activities to address system resiliency and emerging threats. The acquisition strategy leverages existing contracts for terminal integration, sustaining engineering, and software updates, while also utilizing partnerships with commercial entities and other U.S. government agencies to accelerate development and reduce lifecycle costs.

Other related funding lines, such as the MILSATCOM Procurement Space Force (PSF), support the production costs of the A3M for GBS, reflecting the total costs for GBS and PTW modem development. The program also includes necessary civilian pay expenses for management and execution, supplementing other program elements as needed. The blended developmental and operational testing approach ensures that pre-production PTW-capable modems are production-ready, with certified End Cryptographic Units (ECUs) provided for comprehensive operational and cyber testing.