Protected Tactical SATCOM - Global (PTS_G)
Abstract
In CY 2022 the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC) identified gaps in protected SATCOM capabilities relative to existing and planned capabilities against current and predicted user needs, with consideration of current and emerging challenges to both operating environments and system deployment. SWAC developed a Force Design (FD) to address these gaps, realigning capabilities and disaggregating mission sets. Protected Tactical SATCOM - Global (PTS-G) is a key and enabling capability of the USSF Force Design (FD) that bridges the gap between the more focused capabilities provided by Protected Tactical SATCOM - Resilient (PTS-R), and the broadly-available but also the lower assured access capabilities provided by existing / emerging MILSATCOM and commercial services. PTS-G also augments current and future warfighter capability with increased global capacity. PTS-G is a moderate degree of assured access communications across military Ka-band and X-band using a disaggregated and proliferated sets of lower-complexity satellites. Space Systems Command (SSC) will develop the PTS-G space and ground systems to provide worldwide assured-access communications for tactical warfighters. PTS-G will consist of two types of space vehicles (PTS-G-Ka and PTS-G-X), and ground infrastructure (system controller/hub with gateways), and will connect to existing Protected Anti-jam Tactical SATCOM (PATS) ground infrastructure (mission management system and cryptographic key management system) developed under the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) program. PTS-G will consist of multiple satellites that can provide either X-band or mil Ka-band transponded capability while also supporting the utilization of the PTW Waveform. PTW modems for user terminals will be acquired by each Service and by international partners. Initially, PTS-G will provide capabilities in select regions. PTS-G will target a solution that can provide worldwide coverage. PTS-G will be interoperable with the PTES program to perform management and cryptographic key management for PTW users, but PTS-G will procure and install the associated PTES Joint Hubs and other ground infrastructure to operate the satellites, anchor the data, and perform O&S. In addition, the PTS-R system will be integrated with components of PTES and will be complementary to PTS-G. PTS-G addresses the gap in protected communications capability identified in the USSF FD and in the Joint Space Communications Layer (JSCL) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). To meet the warfighter requirements for protected tactical MILSATCOM and the capability gaps identified in these studies in a timely and cost-effective manner, use and modification of existing capabilities and Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products will be leveraged to the maximum extent, to develop the PTS-G capabilities. SSC will strategically execute prototyping and risk reduction as needed to develop and deploy PTS-G capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 643722_1206761SF_4_3620F_PB_2025
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- Root: Protected Tactical Service (PTS)
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- Child Cost Item: 37f543c5a4f5b29beda2a0ed39f093d9
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