The U.S. Space Force is initiating government testing of an upgraded ground-based satellite jammer intended to enhance its mobility, user-friendliness, and effectiveness as an electronic warfare platform.
L3Harris, the company responsible for developing the baseline Counter Communications System (CCS), announced on April 8, 2023, that the upgraded version has successfully passed a verification review. This transition allows the system to move to the Space Force for further developmental and operational testing. The modernized system, known as “Meadowlands,” employs radio signals to jam enemy communications and has an expanded frequency range, improving its interference capabilities. Additionally, it is lighter than its predecessor and features an open architecture enabling regular software updates.
Col. Bryon McClain, the program executive officer for space domain awareness, highlighted that Meadowlands incorporates more automation than earlier versions, thereby reducing the need for operators to engage directly with the system. He emphasized that this allows for remote command and control, enhancing flexibility for personnel deployment in military operations.
Since its introduction in 2004, the CCS has undergone numerous upgrades. The Space Force currently operates 11 CCS units and has contracted L3Harris to convert five of those units to the new Meadowlands configuration, with two units delivered for testing recently. Future plans include upgrading all older-model systems to the new variant. L3Harris also holds a production contract for the design and delivery of over 20 Meadowlands platforms, which will include training systems.
While much of the Space Force’s counter-space weapon capabilities remain classified, the CCS is publicly recognized as its first counter-space capability. In addition to CCS, the Space Force has also delivered other satellite jammers, including the Remote Modular Terminal program developed by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
In the context of growing space weapon development by adversaries, including China and Russia, the Space Force has been vocal about the need to enhance its weapons arsenal. General Stephen Whiting, head of U.S. Space Command, emphasized during an April 8 symposium speech that the Space Force requires offensive capabilities to deter potential space conflicts and succeed in any combat scenarios, stating that “weapons in space used to be inconceivable, but now space-based interceptors are a key component of how we win.”
