U.S. Space Force Seeks Adaptable GEO Satellites for Enhanced Military Communications
The U.S. Space Force has issued a revised request for information on Sept. 15 for the Maneuverable Geosynchronous Orbit (MGEO) Commercial Satellite-Based Services program. This move comes as the military seeks to adapt to changes in the commercial satcom market and enhance its communication capabilities.
The MGEO program aims to build, operate, and deliver communication services via new small or medium earth satellites or by repurposing old large satellites nearing the end of their life. While specific vendors have not been named, companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman have been involved in related Space Force projects.
The military is facing challenges due to the shift in the commercial satcom market towards managed services, which are incompatible with many secure military waveforms. To address this, the revised RFI considers integrating larger GEO spacecraft and leasing older satellites that can still be repositioned. Commercial small GEO satellites offer advantages such as faster deployment, lower operating costs, and quick maneuverability for specific coverage.
The U.S. Space Force is seeking commercial geostationary small-satellite constellations to enhance military communications. The MGEO program is separate from the Protected Tactical Satcom - Global (PTS-G) acquisition for government-owned small GEO satellite constellations. It seeks solutions across various spectrum bands, including traditionally scarce ones. The Space Force plans to award multiple vendors under an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $900 million over 10 years.
The MGEO program aims to support mobile ground forces in environments with signal jamming or disruption by leveraging the advantages of commercial small GEO satellites. The Space Systems Command is exploring smaller, cheaper satellites that can operate in specific frequencies to meet requirements in the next five to 10 years, demonstrating the military's commitment to staying ahead in the evolving space landscape.
