PTES HUB

The Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) HUB is a vital initiative by the Space Force to enhance the resilience and security of military satellite communications. The primary goal of PTES is to counteract the growing threat of electronic warfare attacks, particularly jamming capabilities targeting military satellite communications (MILSATCOM). PTES is designed to provide worldwide, anti-jam, Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) communications for tactical warfighters. This is achieved through the use of the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW), which facilitates secure communications via both military and commercial satellite systems.

The PTES program includes several key components, such as the development of a Mission Management System (MMS), a Key Management System (KMS), and Joint Hubs (JHs). These elements are crucial for enabling PTW through transponded Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites, with plans to extend this capability to commercial SATCOM. The program has successfully transitioned from rapid prototyping under the Middle Tier of Acquisition authority to the Execution Phase of the Software Acquisition Pathway. By achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY 2025, PTES will address operational needs in regions like the Pacific by providing ground elements for PTW over WGS.

At Full Operational Capability (FOC), PTES aims to deliver comprehensive PTW operations using all available WGS satellites. To meet these objectives, efforts focus on acquiring Joint Hubs necessary for system operation at FOC. Each Joint Hub requires site surveys, equipment purchases such as modems and End Cryptographic Units (ECUs), installation, and testing. Additionally, PTES plans to integrate with commercial SATCOM systems in various orbits by FY 2028, further enhancing its operational scope and resilience.

The program's strategy supports these goals by facilitating the procurement, assembly, testing, and installation of twelve Joint Hubs across multiple Department of Defense gateway sites. This expansion will enhance PTW coverage over both WGS and commercial constellations. The strategy also covers activities necessary for system resiliency and situational awareness in contested space domains. By separating Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) costs for greater transparency in FY 2025, the program ensures efficient allocation of resources towards achieving its strategic objectives.