Protected Tactical SATCOM
Abstract
For the initial PTS phase, USSF is utilizing FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) for Rapid Prototyping (RP) authority and Section 815, Other Transaction Authority (OTA), to achieve an affordable, rapid, operational capability for the tactical warfighter. This strategy employs rapid payload development to progressively and incrementally deploy prototypes with residual capabilities demonstrated in an operational environment. These prototyping payloads (PTS-P) demonstrate innovative AJ technologies with modular and scalable payloads to meet validated military needs for protected tactical communications. This includes technical baseline development, systems engineering trade analyses, internal/external system integration and development, candidate system architecture evaluations, risk reduction demonstrations, prototyping concepts development, system testing, and enabling technologies maturation. The PTS Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) Phase, called PTS-Resilient (PTS-R), will follow the PTS-P Phase to develop purpose-built "hub in space” satellites with full signal processing and switching capability that allows direct connectivity between users. The PTS-P and PTS-R Phases include a Space Segment, Ground Segment, and Gateway Segment. For the Space Segment, the USSF strategy utilizes a payload-centric focus to enable an affordable, resilient space architecture. This enables hosting and rideshare opportunities with other US government, commercial, International Partner (IP) satellites or integration onto a commodity satellite bus. For the Ground Segment, PTS develops satellite command and control (C2) and leverages the PTES RP activity for mission and key management planning. The PTS Gateway Segment enables tactical warfighters reach back to global DoD Information Network. The PTS user Terminal Segment, not included in this PTS acquisition, will be procured by the military services utilizing low-cost PTW modem upgrades enabled by the Air Force-Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M) ACAT III program and the Navy Wideband Anti-Jam Modem System (WAMS) technology demonstration program. PTS also develops the National Security Agency (NSA)-certified and space-flight qualified production-ready Space Hub End Cryptographic Unit (ECU). Starting the ECU as a single, early risk-reduction effort targets a high-risk area of the PTS development and enables PTS program success.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 643728_1206761SF_4_3620F_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Protected Tactical Service (PTS)
- Child Accomplishment: PTS Prototype Design and Development
- Child Accomplishment: PTS-P Space Hub End Cryptographic Unit (ECU)
- Child Accomplishment: PTS-P Ground Development
- Child Accomplishment: PTS-P Gateway Development
- Child Accomplishment: PTS Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase
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