Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Military Space Leaders Explore Commercial Tech Integration for Satellites, Citing Limitations in Strategic Communication and PNT
COLORADO SPRINGS – Space Force leaders are actively pursuing the incorporation of commercial technologies into military space architectures. However, some officials caution that genuine commercial alternatives might be lacking for critical applications like strategic communications and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).
This assessment emerged from a press briefing on April 8 featuring officials from Space Systems Command (SSC).
“We are committed to increasingly leveraging commercial solutions wherever feasible,” stated Charlotte Gerhart, Deputy Director of SSC’s Military Communications and PNT Directorate. “Yet, it’s important to recognize that not every commercial offering aligns with every specific military requirement.”
LONZERUI2024 New Mens Smart Watch with a 420Mah Large Battery, 1.96-Inch Ultra HD Screen, Wireless Calling, Flashlight Feature,, Suitable for Android And Ios Outdoor Use
Price: $0.62
Mens Gothic Hoodie - Fashion Hoodies with Retro Lace Up Design, Casual Graphic Print, Streetwear Style for Winter Fall, Great Gift Idea
Price: $1.79
[Anti-Slip Basketball Shoes] Anti-Slip Durable Mens High-Top Basketball Shoes | Fashion Training Sneakers for Sports and Casual Wear
🎉 Exclusive deal [Price: $9.19]
The Space Force is currently in the source selection phase for the Evolved Strategic Satcom (ESS) program, an $8 billion initiative designed to augment and eventually succeed the existing Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite constellation. AEHF forms the backbone of the nation’s nuclear command, control, and communications network.
“Certain aspects of commercial technology simply do not exist or fail to meet the rigorous demands of the nuclear mission,” emphasized Colonel A.J. Ashby, SSC Strategic SATCOM Senior Materiel Leader.
Unique Waveform Requirements for Nuclear Command and Control
For nuclear command and control operations, the U.S. military relies on the extended data rate waveform, a capability that is “not commonly available in commercial systems,” according to Ashby. “As threats evolve, we must ensure the availability of a viable commercial entity capable of delivering this specific capability.”
SSC leadership is also considering the breadth of the commercial marketplace.
“We aim to avoid scenarios where we become reliant on a single commercial provider for a critical capability,” Ashby explained. “Such vendor lock-in situations can inflate costs and impede the timely delivery of essential capabilities to the warfighter.”
While the military extensively utilizes commercial providers for tactical communications, strategic communications necessitate paramount network access and security measures.
Gerhart elaborated, “The military needs to ascertain system users, their activities, and ensure system availability when and where needed, even against an adversary.”
Exploring Commercial PNT Solutions and GPS Alternatives
SSC remains vigilant in monitoring the rapid advancements within commercial markets, particularly in alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) technologies.
“Our pursuit of greater commercial integration involves adopting more commercial elements, processes, and components, whenever and wherever practical,” Gerhart affirmed. “With the expansion of the commercial industrial base, we gain access to a broader spectrum of options and opportunities. We are continuously evaluating potential integrations to enhance speed, reduce costs, and boost capabilities by incorporating cutting-edge commercial technologies.”
Regarding positioning, navigation, and timing, envisioning a complete commercial alternative to the Global Positioning System (GPS) presents significant challenges.
“Transitioning the entire GPS constellation to a fully commercial offering would be ideal,” Gerhart noted. “However, we are still far from achieving this, especially since GPS is currently accessible to all at no cost.”
Furthermore, GPS plays a foundational role in the global economy and aviation safety.
Addressing the emergence of a potential commercial alternative, Gerhart raised critical questions: “How would we certify these commercial products to ensure they meet stringent safety standards for aviation? The progression is encouraging, but until we attain the requisite capabilities, assurance, and quality from commercial sources, dedicated military systems remain essential.”