SATCOM Ground Environment (SPACE)

The SATCOM Ground Environment (SPACE) program, detailed in Program Element (PE) 0303142A, is a key Army initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation. It focuses on advancing satellite communication (SATCOM) capabilities to support the Army's 2030/2040 Strategic Plan and network modernization strategy. The goal is to ensure resilient, high-capacity, and secure communications for tactical and strategic operations, enabling interoperability across military departments, combatant commands, and other government agencies. This program element encompasses multiple projects, each targeting specific aspects of SATCOM modernization, including equipment upgrades, systems engineering, and protected communications development.

Project 253: Dscs-Dcs (Phase II) aims to modernize SATCOM ground subsystem equipment and software, supporting Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) validated Mission Command Network and Systems requirements for the Defense Enterprise Wideband SATCOM System (DEWSS). The focus is on developing and integrating digital intermediate frequency (IF) solutions such as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) LAN switches, high-speed fiber optics, and wideband signal processors into Army gateway terminals. These upgrades are designed to improve bandwidth efficiency, enhance resiliency through terminal redundancy, and enable continuity of operations (COOP) and failover scenarios. The project also supports the transition to production of these digital IF solutions by the end of the decade and includes risk management framework (RMF) accreditation and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) certification testing.

Project 456: MILSATCOM System Engineering is dedicated to ensuring that Army tactical SATCOM and SATCOM On-the-Move (SOTM) systems are engineered for legal and efficient worldwide operation. This project provides systems engineering expertise for the design, standards development, and planning of Joint SATCOM systems, representing Army interests within the Department of Defense (DoD), commercial, and international forums. Key objectives include supporting the integration of emerging technologies, facilitating Unified Network Capabilities and Integration (UNCI) for transport convergence, and evaluating commercial SATCOM (COMSATCOM) capabilities for pathway diversity. The project also supports modem and terminal certifications, spectrum management, lab testing, and integration of Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities. Ongoing efforts analyze and integrate high-throughput, multi-orbit/multi-band SATCOM architectures.

Project CO7: Protected Tactical Satellite Communications is focused on developing protected, anti-jam tactical SATCOM capabilities to ensure resilient communications in contested environments. The primary objective is the development of the Resilient Anti-Jam Modem (RAM), which provides adaptive, anti-jam communications for Army tactical terminals, especially during critical battle movements. RAM development is an Army-only requirement, leveraging technology from the joint Air Force/Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M) effort with the US Space Force (USSF). Funding supports RAM engineering, critical design review, test and certification, logistics support, and data development. The project also includes the initial development and certification of production-representative Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) modems, aligning with the validated Protected/Resilient SATCOM Capabilities Development Document (CDD).

The acquisition strategies for these projects emphasize technical maturation, risk mitigation, and integration of new technologies through Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts, and existing Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Demonstrations and testing are conducted at facilities such as Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) and Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), ensuring that components reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 before transition to production. The program also supports studies and advanced demonstrations of dynamic, policy-based access and control to enhance operational resiliency and extend the life of SATCOM terminal families beyond 2035.

Justification for the SATCOM Ground Environment (SPACE) program centers on the need to support the Army's emerging power projection and rapid deployment missions, maintain high-capacity tactical connectivity, and ensure interoperability with strategic networks and national decision-makers. The modernization efforts address evolving threats, such as jamming and interference, and support the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiatives. Funding adjustments reflect increased emphasis on RAM development, logistics support, and efficiency measures in line with executive orders promoting government cost efficiency.