SATCOM Ground Environment (SPACE)

Project 253, Dscs-Dcs (Phase II), SATCOM Ground Environment (SPACE) supports the Army's 2030 / 2040 Strategic Plan and network modernization strategy. FY 2027 dollars in the amount of $4.870 million develops Satellite Communication (SATCOM) ground subsystem equipment and software in support of Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) validated Mission Command Network and Systems requirements for the worldwide Defense Enterprise Wideband SATCOM System (DEWSS). DEWSS is composed of the Super High Frequency (SHF) Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) programs, which supports legacy, interim and emerging communication space architectures and future force requirements. Expansion of the WGS constellation and WGS capabilities are vital to support the Army's emerging power projection and rapid deployment mission. WGS provides high capacity tactical end-to-end connectivity and interoperability with strategic networks and national decision-makers, satisfying JCS network operations in support of the President, JCS, combatant commanders, military departments, Department of State and other government departments and agencies.

In FY26, funds have been transferred from SSN 0303142A /CO7 SATCOM Ground Environment to SSN 0605330A / C2 Transport. Project CO7, Protected Satellite Communications funding supports the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative to modernize Command and Control (C2) systems, Transport Layer. Protected Anti-Jam Tactical SATCOM (Protected SATCOM) provides the ability for the Army tactical terminals to be resilient in a contested environment and protect against catastrophic loss of situational awareness and command and control during critical battle movement with Anti-Jam capabilities. The Resilient Anti-Jam Modem (RAM) (previously referred to as Block II Small Form Factor (SFF)) will provide on the move and early entry satellite terminals with adaptive, anti-jam communications for the highest levels of protected communications in multi domain operations. Air Force/Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M) (formerly referred to as Block I) offers tactical Army protection against interference that is either intentional or unintentional. A3M is a Joint Effort between the Army and US Space Force (USSF). RAM is an Army only requirement as USSF does not have a requirement for RAM. Protected SATCOM supports initial development, testing and certification of production representative Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) modems, incorporating Army requirements, to support continued spiral development of critical protected communications capabilities to address resiliency in jamming environments. The Protected/Resilient SATCOM - Capabilities Development Document (CDD) was validated and approved 1 March 2024. Protected SATCOM supports modernization requirements to mitigate emerging threats. FY 2027 funding will support development of Army RAM, contactor and government system engineering and program management (SEPM), and other associated activities as required.

In FY26, funds have been transferred from SSN 0303142A /456 MILSATCOM System Engineering to SSN 0605330A / C2 Transport. Project 456, MILSATCOM System Engineering supports the Army's Command Control (C2) Transport strategy. MILSATCOM System Engineering assures the tactical Army Satellite Communications (SATCOM) and SATCOM At-The Quick Halt / On-the-Move (ATQH/OTM) systems are engineered to legally and efficiently operate worldwide. MILSATCOM System Engineering shapes Joint SATCOM systems design efforts, standards development, and planning processes. MILSATCOM System Engineering represents the Army's tactical interests within Department of War (DoW), Commercial, and International forums to ensure affordable, resilient and scalable future SATCOM capabilities are available for maneuver forces. These efforts are synchronized with the U.S. Space Force and DoW's plans for protected and resilient capabilities over Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and commercial SATCOM systems. MILSATCOM System Engineering evaluates opportunities to insert high-throughput, multi-orbit / multi-band SATCOM capabilities into current and future architectures such as the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architecture. These efforts also ensure that the Army continues to evaluate evolving technologies for the planning and designing of SATCOM solutions that reduce technical and programmatic impacts and reduce the complexity for the users. MILSATCOM System Engineering expertise supports obtaining SATCOM modem and terminal certifications for Tactical Network systems to operate on the network, provides SATCOM spectrum management and optimization, supports lab testing, revise and develop Military Standards, liaison support senior Army leadership and integration of Assured Position Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities. MILSATCOM System Engineering also provides the technical and programmatic expertise to facilitate the Unified Network Capabilities and Integration (UNCI) integration mission of transport convergence and integration of emerging technologies within the Tactical Network portfolio. MILSATCOM System Engineering provides the programmatic and technical expertise to coordinate the UNCI mission to align and integrate elements of the Tactical Network portfolio in support of command and control units.