MILSATCOM Space Modernization Initiative (SMI)

Abstract

The Space Modernization Initiative (SMI) evolves current and future SATCOM systems to develop a more affordable and resilient integrated enterprise capable of meeting near-term and emerging requirements. Under this construct, SMI includes the Capabilities Insertion Program (CIP) to enhance the current Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation and protected communications performance to improve system operational resiliency. Additionally, SMI will demonstrate technologies and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) supporting the Protected Anti-jam Tactical SATCOM (PATS) family-of-systems capability that provides tactical-level military SATCOM (MILSATCOM) users protected, anti-jam SATCOM while operating in a contested environment. PATS is an integrated approach that includes the Protected Tactical Satellite Communications (PTS) and Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) programs to mitigate adversarial jamming effects by using the Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW). For this effort, SMI includes the Air Force - Army Anti-Jam Modem (A3M) to develop PTW-capable modems, providing high throughput and enhanced anti-jam capability in benign and contested environments. Finally, Global Broadcast Service (GBS) functionality will be added to the PATS modems. GBS implements a worldwide high-capacity satellite broadcast information system to provide a continuous, one-way, high-speed, high-volume flow of classified and unclassified intelligence products (full motion video, imagery, data) to garrisoned, deployed or moving forces. FY 2022 was the final year of funding for CIP. FY 2025 funding continues the GBS effort. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver AEHF and SMI capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2025
Source ID
657104_1206431SF_5_3620F_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites

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