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

The U.S. Space Force has launched a $4 billion competition for its Protected Tactical Satcom (PTS) program, aiming to leverage commercial space providers. The PTS program aims to enhance secure communications for military operations. The competition is open to both traditional defense contractors and emerging commercial space companies. The Space Force seeks to award multiple contracts to ensure a diverse and resilient satellite communications ecosystem. By including commercial providers, the Space Force hopes to drive innovation, reduce costs, and increase the availability of secure satellite communication services. This approach marks a shift away from relying solely on legacy defense contractors. The winners of the PTS contracts will be responsible for developing, deploying, and operating the satellite systems that will provide protected tactical communications to U.S. and allied forces. The competition is seen as a significant opportunity for the commercial space industry to play a larger role in supporting national security space capabilities.