Viasat designed a dual-band X/Ka-band geostationary satellite for the U.S. Space Force's PTS-G program. Credit: Viasat
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force awarded satellite operators Viasat and SES contracts worth a combined $437.6 million to build communications satellites for a new military network designed to withstand jamming and cyber attacks.
The contracts, announced May 22, are part of the Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program, known as PTS-G, which aims to use smaller satellites based on commercial technology to strengthen U.S. military communications from geostationary orbit.
The announcement did not specify how many satellites are included in the procurement. But Pentagon budget documents released last month say the first batch of satellites, known as “Swarm 1,” will consist of four spacecraft. Viasat and SES would each build two.
The satellites are scheduled for delivery by March 2029.
