Commercial SATCOM (COMSATCOM) Integration

The Commercial SA TCOM (COMSATCOM) Integration program, managed by the United States Space Force (USSF), is focused on developing, prototyping, and demonstrating capabilities to fully integrate commercial satellite communications (SATCOM) into the Department of Defense's (DoD) SATCOM enterprise. The overarching goal is to create a responsive, resilient, and affordable SATCOM environment that meets the needs of Combatant Commanders and other users across the spectrum of conflict. This enterprise approach is intended to improve mission assurance, purchasing power, and operational flexibility for the DoD.

Project 650140: COMSATCOM is the primary effort under this program element, with objectives centered on rapidly prototyping and delivering Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) integration tools and mission applications. These tools are designed to allow warfighters to operate SATCOM as a single, integrated enterprise, enhancing command and control (C2) capabilities and enabling end-to-end sensor-to-shooter execution. The EM&C applications are developed using agile software methodologies and a DevSecOps platform, ensuring rapid delivery and iterative improvement based on user feedback from Space Operations Command (SpOC) Delta 8 and the Consolidated SATCOM Systems Experts (CSSEs).

A significant component of Project 650140 is the International Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) SATCOM initiative, which partners with the Luxembourg Ministry of Defense (MoD) to integrate international commercial SATCOM services into the DoD SATCOM architecture. This partnership leverages Luxembourg's commercial MEO satellite system to demonstrate onboarding of commercial SATCOM services, use of the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), and integration of Protected Tactical Enterprise Services (PTES) hubs. The project also aims to prototype fiber resiliency for gateway backhaul and to demonstrate multi-orbital terminal capabilities for airborne, maritime, and ground force communications. This international collaboration is designed to enable joint procurement of SATCOM capacity, driving cost savings and enhancing interoperability.

Another key effort within Project 650140 is the Commercial Integration Cell (CIC), which supports real-time information sharing between the US government, private sector, and international partners. The CIC is integral to the USSF's Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) program, providing a framework for threat information sharing and operational coordination. The objective is to enhance the CIC's capabilities through contractual mechanisms, enabling surge capacity and operational resilience in contested space environments. This includes establishing standards and guidance for information sharing at multiple security levels, as well as supporting test, evaluation, and implementation activities.

Project 651126: COMSATCOM Infrastructure focuses on developing and standing up the business and customer management tools necessary for the USSF's Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO) to assume full responsibility for DoD COMSATCOM procurement, a role previously held by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The central objective is the development and deployment of the COMSATCOM Business Suite (CBS) tool, which automates and streamlines customer requests, financial management, contract support, and integration with third-party systems. This transition is mandated by Congress and is critical for modernizing access to commercial SATCOM services, improving speed and quality of service, and reducing costs.

The COMSATCOM Enterprise Technology (COMET) System of Systems under Project 651126 is designed to provide the necessary infrastructure for the CSCO, including cloud-based hosting, enterprise connectivity, and integration with EM&C systems. The CBS tool will replace manual processes for managing numerous contracts, supporting the transition from DISA to USSF and enabling the USSF to operate a new Enterprise Space Activity Group (ESAG) under the Air Force Working Capital Funds (AFWCF). The acquisition strategy for these efforts involves competitive awards to qualified contractors, leveraging both traditional and non-traditional defense partners.