The U.S. Space Force is working with industry to understand capabilities that can help expand the service’s portfolio of space domain awareness satellites, amid a growing demand for sensors in geosynchronous orbit. The service operates a fleet of satellites under its Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, which are about 22,000 miles above Earth, performing rendezvous and proximity operations.
In March, Space Systems Command asked companies for ideas on how to augment the constellation with smaller, maneuverable spacecraft equipped with different sensors that can be refueled in orbit. Col. Bryon McClain, the command’s program executive officer for space domain awareness and combat power, is sorting through these ideas to determine future requirements.
Transition to a new satellite architecture is expected around 2026 or 2027, considering budget constraints and existing mission demands. The Space Force aims to build smaller systems relying on commercially available capabilities, aligning with senior leaders’ push for less military-unique technology.
The Space Force is leveraging commercial space domain awareness capabilities, including the Joint Commercial Operations cell. McClain emphasized the need to understand private sector markets, like the growth in small satellites, to tap into existing capabilities. The service aims to avoid unique military requirements that deviate from commercially available products.