The recently created United States Space Force has now issued five more such contracts. For the first time, these contracts emphasize the design and demonstration of purpose-built satellites, an enormous change in the military procurement playbook. This initiative is an important component of the broader PTS-G program. With a total award ceiling of up to $4 billion, it emphasizes the Space Force’s priority for rapidly integrating commercial technology into its operations.
The first awards, $37.3 million in total, are fairly modest sums compared to the program’s full-authority of $7 billion. Each of the participating firms will continue developing their satellite architectures through January 2026. After the design phase, the Space Force will select one design. This award will result in a follow-on contract for launching the first satellite, which is currently expected to occur in 2028. Subsequent production awards will be issued within the same year.
Cordell DeLaPena Jr., the program executive officer, told Defense One at a recent event focused on transformation that this approach is not only transfigurative.
“Our PTS-G contract transforms how SSC acquires SATCOM capability for the warfighter.” – Cordell DeLaPena Jr.
In the past, purchasing geostationary satellites was a years-long process that cost an arm and a leg. These costs frequently reach into the hundreds of millions or even past a billion dollars per spacecraft. The PTS-G program is a dramatic departure from business as usual. This indicates a potential awareness of the need to do things smarter and better to meet 21st century military needs.
Adopting the commercial baseline designs for military capabilities will significantly increase the Space Force’s return on investment. This change will help them respond more quickly and more effectively, especially to emerging threats. DeLaPena further remarked on this strategic pivot.
“The incorporation of commercial baseline designs to meet military capability significantly enhances the Space Force’s speed and efficiency to add capability to meet emerging threats.” – Cordell DeLaPena Jr.
Aria Alamalhodaei is a journalist based in Austin, Texas, who covers advances in the space and defense industries for TechCrunch. Alamalhodaei earned an MA in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. That background provides her a unique lens through which to report on technological advancements across these essential sectors.
Primarily, the goal of the PTS-G program is to shorten satellite development schedules. It aims to establish a robust structure for continued cooperation and partnership between commercial industry and military entities. The Space Force is taking a new approach to satellite communications. This evolution has major implications for national security and operational readiness.