Space Force expands Protected Tactical Satellite Communications through new prototype contract

The Space Force Acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing awarded a firm-fixed-price contract valued at $398 million to Northrop Grumman to develop and build the Enhanced Protected Tactical Satellite Communications – Prototype, or Enhanced PTS-P. The prototype is projected for launch no earlier than fiscal year 2030.

Enhanced PTS-P is part of the Space Force’s Force Design and is intended to expand protected satellite communications to support warfighters operating in highly contested environments. The program is under the purview of the Acting PAE and is managed by Space Systems Command's System Delta 88, led by U.S. Space Force Col. A.J. Ashby.

The prototype is designed to improve satellite communications performance in the presence of jamming through advanced antennas and space-based processing of the Protected Tactical Waveform, or PTW.

“Enhanced PTS-P represents another important step in delivering more resilient, protected communications capabilities to the joint force,” said Erin Carper, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing. “This capability will help ensure tactical users can operate with greater confidence in contested environments.”

As part of the Enhanced PTS-P acquisition strategy, this contract exemplifies multiple Department of War Acquisition Transformation principles by emphasizing contractor accountability and affordability.

The strategy also improves contracting processes by leveraging follow-on Other Transaction authorities, which is a flexible pathway for the government to develop and prototype new capabilities faster. Northrop Grumman was previously awarded prototype contracts and completed critical design reviews in 2021.

Most importantly, Enhanced PTS-P accelerates capability to the warfighter by utilizing an additional middle-tier acquisition period to iteratively deliver improved PTW satellite communications for earlier operational use on the path to full requirement satisfaction.

“Enhanced PTS-P pairs innovative technology with an acquisition approach designed to move faster and deliver protected SATCOM capabilities where they are needed most,” said Mozhdeh Najafabadi, PTS-P/R system program manager. “That combination is essential as we acquire and employ more resilient space capabilities.”

Enhanced PTS-P is expected to inform future Protected Tactical Satellite Communications capability development and demonstrate how the Space Force can deliver more responsive, resilient communications options to support the joint force.