pLEO SATCOM (MILNET)

The pLEO SA TCOM (MILNET) program element, managed by the United States Space Force under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, is focused on the operational systems development of proliferated Low Earth Orbit satellite communications and related technologies. The primary objective of this program is to enhance space-based situational awareness and resilient communications capabilities for military operations. In the FY 2026 budget, funds were allocated to this program element, although these funds were erroneously transferred from other program elements and are scheduled to be realigned for proper execution following enactment.

Auxiliary Payloads is a significant component within the pLEO SA TCOM (MILNET) program. The core goal of this project is to continue the development and fielding of auxiliary payloads in collaboration with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Specifically, the project aims to advance the Ground Moving Target Indicator system, which is designed to provide persistent, space-based tracking of moving targets on the ground. The partnership with the NRO leverages their expertise and assets to accelerate the deployment and operational effectiveness of these payloads, which are critical for enhancing the Department of Defense's ability to monitor and respond to dynamic threats globally.

The objectives of the Auxiliary Payloads project include the integration, development, and fielding of advanced sensors and communication technologies on space-based platforms. These payloads are intended to augment existing satellite constellations by providing additional sensing and communication capabilities, thereby increasing the resilience and coverage of U.S. military space assets. The project's acquisition strategy involves working with various contractors and government partners to ensure timely development and deployment, with a focus on rapid prototyping and operational demonstration within the FY 2026 timeframe.

Space-to-Space Communications is another critical line item within the pLEO SA TCOM (MILNET) program. The primary objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate advanced optical communication terminal prototypes for space-to-space links. This includes funding the Optical Terminal Verification Testbed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, developing interface controls, and preparing for a space-based prototype demonstration. The project also seeks to mature network management of optical crosslink terminals in partnership with other organizations and to enhance the DARPA Space-Based Adaptive Communication Node modem design to support long-range crosslinks and emerging optical waveform standards.

The Space-to-Space Communications project is structured to deliver several key technical advancements, including the development of space terminals, a software-defined networking command and control system, and a communications testbed. The project leverages Other Transaction Agreements for rapid prototyping and incorporates input from federally funded research and development centers and advisory and assistance services to ensure robust technical oversight and integration. The schedule for these efforts spans from the first to the fourth quarter of FY 2026, with the goal of completing initial demonstrations and integration planning by the end of the fiscal year.

Funding for both Auxiliary Payloads and Space-to-Space Communications was mistakenly transferred into the pLEO SA TCOM (MILNET) program element from other program elements specifically, from Long Range Kill Chains and Space Systems Prototype Transitions. The Department of the Air Force has indicated that these funds will be realigned to their original program elements following the enactment of the budget, and the mission descriptions and justifications for these efforts are contained in their respective source program elements.