Satellite Control Network (SPACE)

The Satellite Control Network (SP ACE) program, managed by the U.S. Space Force and funded under Program Element 1203110SF, is a critical operational systems development initiative aimed at modernizing and sustaining the Department of Defense's (DoD) satellite ground terminal network. The SCN consists of two primary communication nodes (Schriever SFB and Vandenberg SFB) and 15 antenna systems distributed globally across seven tracking stations. Its primary objective is to ensure continuous, resilient command and control (C2) for over 170 satellites supporting Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Missile Warning and Defense, Communications, Weather, Launch Vehicle Support, and Research and Development for DoD, Intelligence Community (IC), and NASA missions.

SCN Enhancements and Deficiency Resolution focuses on upgrading system capabilities, resolving deficiencies, and integrating advanced cyber defense tools. The goal is to maintain and improve the reliability and security of satellite command and control operations, particularly in contested and degraded environments. This line item supports routine and emergency satellite operations, including re-establishing contact with non-responsive satellites, which is vital for asset preservation. The program also includes testing and validation activities such as Factory Compatibility Testing to ensure new satellites and launch vehicles can communicate effectively with the SCN prior to launch.

Satellite Operations Transmit and Receive aims to modernize the enterprise transmit, receive, and resource management solutions for continuous satellite operations. This effort addresses legacy system shortfalls by developing integrated and automated resource management and scheduling services, including the Enterprise Resource Manager (ERM) system. The ERM supports ground resource integration, management, and automation, and interfaces with commercial apertures for machine-to-machine data transfers. Planned enhancements include phased array and mobile antenna improvements, automated scheduling with Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) deconfliction, and support for Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) antennas.

Satellite C2 Augmentation Services provides both federal and commercial satellite command and control services to supplement SCN capabilities. The objective is to increase C2 diversity and capacity, reducing congestion risks and improving resiliency. Augmentation services are integrated into the ERM and include the development of cyber-secure antenna network brokering via the Joint Antenna Marketplace (JAM). These services are deployed in a phased approach, with operational feasibility demonstrations planned for multiple Satellite Operations Centers and commercial antenna provider networks.

Cyber-secure Mission Data Transport is dedicated to developing a scalable, resilient, and cyber-secure network communications architecture for mission data transport. The meshONE-Terrestrial (meshONE-T) system is being expanded to provide high-speed, secure data movement across the enterprise, supporting USSF, other DoD services, and mission partners worldwide. This effort addresses legacy system obsolescence, bandwidth constraints, and cyber vulnerabilities by implementing Zero Trust networking, cloud connectivity, and rapid deployable capabilities. The program aims to close identified Kill Chain gaps and improve interoperability and operational reach.

Enterprise Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) provides government-controlled systems engineering support to synchronize modernization and sustainment efforts across the SCN and related data transport capabilities. SE&I manages baseline requirements, integration planning, architecture definition, and test support, ensuring that all enhancements and new capabilities are aligned with operational needs and future mission demands. The SE&I contractor maintains the DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) and supports Space Systems Command (SSC) initiatives for Data Transport Receive Network (DTRN) activities.