**Overview of Space Force Antenna Initiative**
The U.S. Space Force is accelerating efforts to enhance its Satellite Control Network through the deployment of new antennas. This initiative, driven by concerns over the current system’s capabilities in conflict scenarios, is expected to yield operational units by the end of 2024.
**Leadership and Concerns**
Kelly Hammett, the leader of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), emphasized the urgency of this project during a briefing at the Spacepower Conference in Orlando, Florida. He voiced concerns that the existing antenna network, which is globally dispersed and vital for launch support, satellite tracking, and emergency spacecraft assistance, may not meet operational needs during a conflict.
**Funding and Deployment Plans**
The Space RCO is actively working to expedite the deployment of the first new antenna, part of the Satellite Communications Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program, with an emphasis on securing additional funding for the fiscal year 2025. The initial antennas are set to be utilized in the Indo-Pacific Command area.
Hammett highlighted that the procurement of these antennas ranks at the top of Space Force’s fiscal 2025 unfunded priority list, indicating a strong push for enhanced capabilities amidst growing demand and operational strain on current resources.
**Demand and System Limitations**
According to a 2023 Government Accountability Office report, the Satellite Control Network’s utilization rates have exceeded industry standards over the past decade. This increased strain has limited the system’s availability, raising concerns from government auditors about potential mission compromises in the future.
**Technical Details and Partnerships**
The SCAR program aims to replace outdated infrastructure with state-of-the-art phased-array antennas manufactured by Blue Halo, featuring multi-beam, multi-orbit operations designed for enhanced satellite management. Blue Halo received a $1.4 billion contract in 2022 to produce 12 units by the early 2030s and recently announced plans to enhance its supply chain capabilities to accelerate production and minimize costs.
**Impact on Communications Capacity**
Once operational, the SCAR program is projected to increase satellite communications capacity for spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit by tenfold, marking a significant advancement in U.S. military capabilities in space. Hammett noted that the automated testing processes employed by the Space RCO have allowed for rapid antenna qualification as they work to finalize designs.
**Reporter Bio**
Courtney Albon, a seasoned reporter at C4ISRNET, covers space and emerging technology, focusing on the U.S. military, particularly the Air Force and Space Force, since 2012.
