The US space forces have launched a new stage of the Protected Tactical Satcom (PTS) program – a project aimed at creating a satellite communications resistant for the army. The total budget of the program can reach $ 4 billion.
This week new contracts were issued to five companies that will develop and show their settings for military needs. Among them are already familiar Boeing and Northrop Grumman contractors, as well as new participants: Viasat, IntelSat and Astranis startup from San Francisco. Intelsat will use the satellite platform from another startup – K2 Space.
So far, the total amount of contracts is $ 37.3 million, but in the future, larger orders are possible. Companies must present their developments until January 2026. Then the spacecraft will choose one of them to create the first satellite, the launch of which is planned in 2028.
The main goal of the program is to speed up the development and reduce the cost of such satellites, making a rate on the flexibility and speed of private companies.
