SSC Evolved Strategic SATCOM Program uses competition to drive threat-focused

Written by Copernical Team Wednesday, 10 May 2023 10:54

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Los Angeles AFB CA (SPX) May 09, 2023

In response to growing space threats, the Space System Command's (SSC) Space Development Corps Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (SATCOM) program, ESS, is aggressively leveraging Middle Tier Acquisition authorities and competition to rapidly identify, prototype, and field an innovative next-generation strategic SATCOM system. From Sept. - Nov. 2020, the Space Systems Command award

SSC Evolved Strategic SATCOM Program uses competition to drive threat-focused
by Staff Writers
Los Angeles AFB CA (SPX) May 09, 2023

In response to growing space threats, the Space System Command's (SSC) Space Development Corps Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (SATCOM) program, ESS, is aggressively leveraging Middle Tier Acquisition authorities and competition to rapidly identify, prototype, and field an innovative next-generation strategic SATCOM system.

From Sept. - Nov. 2020, the Space Systems Command awarded three contracts to rapidly prototype strategic satellite communications payloads. These contracts are demonstrating critical technology elements and mitigating technology risks to develop satellite designs that optimize system cost, schedule, and performance. This competitive model allows SSC and its industry partners to accelerate program timelines and paves the way for rapid development and fielding of ESS systems to fulfill warfighter needs.

The ESS program is partnering with industry in a competitive environment. Three leading defense contractors, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, are focused on rapidly maturing technology to deliver game-changing space capabilities. This competitive acquisition strategy ensures the ESS program controls costs, stays on schedule, and delivers space-based protected satellite communications capabilities that prevail against the threat.

This approach fosters the development of three different, innovative solutions that the government can select from and further develop. Furthermore, close partnerships with industry members allow the government to hone final requirements for follow-on fielding efforts.

The ESS program leveraged Middle Tier Acquisition authorities to jump-start program initiation, and is now quickly progressing through the program's critical milestones. The government and industry team have already completed three multi-day Space Segment System Requirements Reviews that leveraged digital engineering practices to review over 500 requirements.

The next milestones, the Systems Functional Reviews, are already underway, with one complete and the other two on track to complete in early 2022, all on schedule as originally planned at the outset of the program.