Space Mods

The Space Mods (SPCMOD) program within the Department of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request is designed to fund permanent modifications and upgrades to in-service space systems, equipment, and infrastructure. The overarching goal of SPCMOD is to ensure advanced Command and Control (C2), Battle Management, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) capabilities remain reliable, resilient, and responsive in a contested space domain.

These modifications address materiel deficiencies, add or delete capabilities, and correct safety hazards, with funding allocated in the year installation occurs. Agencies involved include the U.S. Space Force, NORAD, USSTRATCOM, USSPACECOM, and various Combatant Commands.

Modifications to the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) focus on technical refreshes to the GPS Control Segment Ground Antenna Stations, supporting sustainability and obsolescence remediation. Objectives include cybersecurity hardening in line with DoD Instructions, and options for RF/wireless detection at remote sites. These upgrades are critical to maintaining accurate navigation, timing, and nuclear detonation detection capabilities for global air, land, sea, and space users. Funding also supports rapid response to emerging threats and system resiliency, leveraging commercial, government, and international partnerships.

Shared Early Warning System (SEWS) receives funding for ongoing support and capital equipment replacement, such as virtual processors, routers, intrusion detection software, and network logging solutions. SEWS provides missile warning data to major Combatant Commands, NATO, and foreign partners, utilizing space-based infrared sensors and dedicated communications networks. Modifications ensure compliance with Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) processing standards and DoD cybersecurity requirements, with life-of-type buys supporting long-term operational continuity.

Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR) and Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) modifications are structured in blocks, each addressing specific reliability and maintainability needs. Funding targets replacement of legacy Sub-Array Power Supplies, Array Group Drivers, Beam Steering Units, Transitional Receiver Exciters, Digital Receiver Exciters, and Data Processor/Signal Processor suites. These upgrades mitigate risks from obsolete components, support DISA-mandated timing transitions, and enhance system resiliency against cyber and electromagnetic threats. The Cape Cod UEWR site receives additional funding for high-altitude electromagnetic protection upgrades, coordinated with MILCON and power supply projects.

Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) modifications continue phased replacement of unsupportable and unreliable components, including mission data processors, radar transmitters, antenna groups, and power amplifiers. PARCS, located at Cavalier SFS, ND, is vital for SLBM and ICBM detection, space domain awareness, and satellite tracking. The program addresses the challenge of maintaining custom-built equipment with no available spare parts, prioritizing operational availability through targeted upgrades.

Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) Relay Ground Station funding supports relocation and technical refresh of SBIRS RGS mission systems, ensuring near-zero downtime and modernized equipment in line with site owner directives. SBIRS enhances ballistic missile detection and tracking, integrating data from satellites in GEO and HEO orbits for initial warning of missile attacks on the U.S. and allies.

Space Situation Awareness Operations (SSAO) and Weather Service modifications include procurement and installation of Ionospheric Ground Sensors, protection of meteorological data stations, and upgrades to solar and radio telescope networks. These efforts support surveillance of space objects, monitoring of space environmental conditions, and provision of timely, accurate weather data for warfighter planning and execution. The program also funds realistic threat replication assets for training, ensuring joint and coalition partners are prepared for contested space environments.