The Space Force’s Space Systems Command announced it had selected five companies to develop jamming-resilient satellite comms technology.
The companies selected under the Protected Tactical Satcom-Global (PTS-G) contract include Boeing ($BA), Northrop Grumman ($NOC), Viasat ($VSAT), Astranis Space Technologies, and Intelsat General Communications (now part of SES).
SSC has designated $37.3M for research, development, and testing through the end of Jan. 2026. SSC plans to issue another award next year for the production of PTS spacecraft that can launch by 2028. The total contract is an IDIQ with a ceiling of $4B.
Can you hear me now? The PTS program is a direct response to the increasing militarization of space by Russia and China. In one example, GPS signal jamming taking place in Ukraine has created a hole in GPS signals extended all the way to LEO.
As a result, the DoD has invested heavily in finding workarounds when communications are taken offline, and is funding the development of more resilient PNT and comms systems.
The PTS-G aims to place multiple satellites into GEO to cover a range of communications frequencies. It will leverage a DoD developed waveform (PTW) that works by rapidly switching between frequencies to sneak encrypted communications past jammers.
ASAP Rocky: In January, the SSC scrapped its PTS-Resilience (PTS-R) contract—initially billed as a stepping stone between the prototyping contract and PTS-G—in an effort to pivot to the global program more affordably, and rapidly.
As part of the prototype program, Boeing and Northrop Grumman developed forerunners of their PTS payloads, both of which could fly on demo missions this year.
Those companies that are new to the PTS program may be later to demo their tech, but have a wealth of experience in GEO to lean on to win future PTS contracts. For instance, Dave Broadbent, president and CEO of SES defense and space (Intelsat), told payload that he envisions contributing to PTS across the board, integrating existing terrestrial networks, terminals, and satellite capacity to keep the communication lines open.
“A vast fleet of over 90 GEO satellites, 30 MEO satellites, global teleports, and one of the industry’s most extensive terrestrial networks uniquely positions Intelsat and SES to provide resilient and flexible communications essential for critical missions,” Broadbent told payload via email.
The Space Force’s 2026 budget proposal sets aside $572M for the entire PTS program, which also includes funding for research on PTW enabled ground stations and terminals.
Update: This article was updated to include comments from Intelsat/SES.
