Polar MILSATCOM (SPACE)

The Polar MILSATCOM (MILSATCOM) Program is a United States Air Force initiative under Program Element 1206432SF, focused on acquiring and sustaining protected military satellite communications for users operating in the North Polar Region. The primary objective of this program is to ensure robust, anti-jam, and low probability of intercept and detection communications capabilities in the Arctic, where traditional geostationary satellites have limited coverage. This is achieved through the Enhanced Polar System (EPS) and its recapitalization (EPS-R), which leverage Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) technology and the extended Data Rate (XDR) waveform to provide secure, reliable connectivity for military operations in challenging polar environments.

The EPS Recap (EPS-R) project is responsible for developing and acquiring two Extremely High Frequency (EHF) payloads hosted on Space Norway-procured spacecraft. This international collaboration, formalized through the 2019 Arctic Memorandum of Agreement between the USAF and the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, is designed to maximize coverage and operational resilience in the polar region. EPS-R also includes significant upgrades and modifications to the existing EPS Ground Control and Gateway segments, ensuring compatibility and enhanced command and control for the new payloads.

Space Segment activities have focused on the development, integration, and testing of the two EHF payloads. Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems (NGAS) was awarded the contract for payload development, leveraging AEHF technology to ensure interoperability with other Department of Defense protected communications systems. The integration and checkout of these payloads on the Norwegian satellites are critical steps toward achieving operational availability and meeting the validated requirements set by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.

Ground Updates involve the modification and upgrade of the EPS Control and Planning Segment (CAPS). These upgrades provide the necessary command and control and mission planning capabilities for the new payloads, ensuring that the ground infrastructure can fully support the expanded system. The contract for these upgrades was also awarded to Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS), reflecting a coordinated approach to both space and ground segment development.

Gateway Updates are managed by the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, which is responsible for upgrading the EPS Gateway segment. These modifications are necessary to support the increased data rates and secure communications provided by the new EHF payloads. The upgrades ensure seamless connectivity between polar users and the broader Department of Defense communications architecture, further enhancing the system's operational utility.

The program also includes Management Services and Technical Mission Analysis to support system engineering, integration, and risk reduction activities. These efforts are designed to ensure the successful integration of all system components, address technical challenges, and extend the operational life of the system beyond 2035. The acquisition strategy maintains the U.S. Government as the system integrator, ensuring oversight and alignment with broader national security objectives.