Enterprise Ground Services

Enterprise Ground Services (EGS) is a program element under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, supporting the United States Space Force. The primary goal of EGS is to develop and integrate a common satellite operations ground segment solution, known as SatOps, which provides command and control (C2) services for the Space Force's protect and defend missions. This initiative is managed through a Combined Program Office (CPO), merging efforts from Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), and leveraging Space RCO acquisition authorities for efficient execution.

Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2) Development is the main line item within EGS, focusing on the continuous development and integration of SatOps C2 services. Objectives include refining operational standards and interfaces, implementing advanced cybersecurity and cryptography requirements, and maturing antenna network services and connectivity. The program also supports mission partner demonstrations and the integration of mission-unique software, ensuring the ground segment can meet end-to-end C2 requirements for both government and commercial satellite operations.

In FY 2025, R2C2 development activities concentrated on expanding cloud-based architectures to support protect and defend missions, deploying enhanced cybersecurity measures, and integrating new capabilities with mission partners. The program supported the Research and Development Space and Missile Operations (RDSMO) and other mission partners by providing flight dynamics services and improving infrastructure and network connectivity. Risk reduction demonstrations and the release of R2C2 version 1.0 were key milestones, aimed at validating the system's operational readiness and resilience.

R2C2 Pre-Operations (Pre-Ops) Support provides ongoing maintenance and operational support for the SatOps ground segment. This includes maintaining hardware and software baselines, updating software licenses, integrating cybersecurity measures, and offering 24x7 help desk operations and training. Pre-Ops support ensures reliable access to SatOps services for mission partners, facilitates user engagement, and supports both commercial and private cloud environments. Infrastructure technical refreshes, patching, and cybersecurity updates are regularly performed to maintain system integrity.

The EGS program also includes management services such as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), and other support activities. These services are essential for program oversight, technical guidance, and ensuring that acquisition strategies align with Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) objectives. The approved acquisition strategy leverages commercial cloud contracts, Other Transaction Agreements, and small business multiple award contracts to operationalize SatOps and provide pre-ops support efficiently.

A significant change in FY 2026 is the transfer of EGS efforts to the Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2) program element (PE 1206772SF). This consolidation is intended to improve efficiency and transparency by centralizing functions under the Space RCO. The transfer reflects a strategic shift to streamline development and operational support activities, aligning them more closely with evolving mission requirements and acquisition strategies. Congressional adjustments and directed transfers in FY 2025 and FY 2026 further support this transition, ensuring that resources are allocated to priority areas within the Space Force.