Space Force bets on commercial entrants in $4B satcom contest

The U.S. Space Force is advancing its Protected Tactical Satcom (PTS) program to develop jam-resistant satellite communications for battlefield use, aiming to ensure secure and reliable communications for American warfighters. Having already awarded contracts to defense giants Boeing and Northrop Grumman for prototype satellite payloads in geostationary orbit, the program recently expanded by awarding five additional contracts to a mix of established defense contractors and commercial entrants, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Viasat, Intelsat, and the startup Astranis. These initial contracts total $37.3 million but fall under a broader $4 billion program ceiling, with firms tasked to develop satellite architectures by January 2026. Following this phase, the Space Force will select one design for a satellite launch planned in 2028, with further production contracts expected the same year. This approach marks a significant shift from traditional military satellite procurement, which has historically involved lengthy timelines and high costs per spacecraft. By incorporating commercial baseline designs