The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch a new satellite initiative, designated RG-XX, intended to serve as a commercial replacement for its current Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). Officials anticipate releasing a formal request for proposals in the coming months, signaling a major step toward modernizing the nation's orbital monitoring capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force is developing RG-XX, a commercial successor to the GSSAP satellite monitoring system.
- A formal solicitation for industry proposals is expected before the end of the year, pending funding arrangements.
- Key requirements for the new satellites include on-orbit refueling capabilities and compatibility with existing ground control networks.
- The program is designed to be unclassified, allowing for potential sales to international partners.
- The Space Force plans to award contracts to multiple companies and build a constellation larger than the current GSSAP fleet.
The Next Generation of Orbital Surveillance
The United States Space Force is moving forward with plans for a new satellite program aimed at enhancing its ability to monitor objects in geosynchronous orbit. The initiative, known as RG-XX, is designed to replace the aging Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespans.
The primary mission of these satellites is to conduct rendezvous and proximity operations. This allows them to approach and inspect other satellites, providing crucial data for space domain awareness. According to officials, a formal solicitation for the RG-XX program could be released within the next few months.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, the acting space acquisition chief, confirmed the timeline during the Air and Space Forces Association’s conference. “We’re thinking a couple of months — by the end of the year — we can get movement on this,” he stated.
Background on the GSSAP Program
The current GSSAP system, built by Northrop Grumman, consists of a small constellation of highly maneuverable satellites. Of the six satellites launched, five remain operational. Four were launched between 2014 and 2016, with two more added in January 2022. These satellites provide the U.S. Space Command with critical data on space objects to support military operations and national security.
Funding and Industry Engagement
The final timeline for the RG-XX solicitation is closely tied to budget approvals. Maj. Gen. Purdy noted that while plans are being developed, the process cannot advance without secured funding. “The timeline is wrapped up a little bit in funding so it’s a funding discussion,” he explained. “I can’t let contracts until I’ve got funding in place.”
Despite the funding questions, industry interest in the program is substantial. An industry day held for the RG-XX program attracted representatives from 150 different companies, indicating a highly competitive procurement process ahead.
The Space Force intends to award contracts to more than one company, fostering a diverse industrial base and encouraging innovation. This multi-vendor approach is expected to drive down costs and accelerate production timelines for what is anticipated to be a much larger satellite constellation than GSSAP.
International Partnership Potential
A key aspect of the RG-XX program is its design for international collaboration. The project has been structured to be unclassified and suitable for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). “We structured that [RG-XX] specifically to be unclassified and FMS acceptable,” Purdy said. “I’ve got a couple of international countries that are registering interest in it.” This approach could allow allied nations to acquire similar space awareness capabilities.
Advanced Capabilities and Future Strategy
Mandatory On-Orbit Refueling
One of the most significant requirements for the RG-XX satellites is the capability for on-orbit refueling. This feature, mandated by Maj. Gen. Purdy, is a strategic move to build long-term sustainability and mobility into the constellation. On-orbit servicing is a key priority for U.S. Space Command.
“U.S. Space Command has been very open about that desire for on-orbit servicing mobility. Given our funding situation, it’s been difficult to stand up an on-orbit servicing mobility program so we’re looking at this one [RG-XX] to get our foot in the door.”
By enabling satellites to be refueled in space, the Space Force can extend their operational lives and reduce the need for frequent replacements. This is also expected to lower the number of satellites required for initial operations, providing more flexibility in deployment.
Expanding the Constellation
The Space Force plans for the RG-XX constellation to be significantly larger than its predecessor. While an exact number has not been determined, the goal is to acquire as many satellites as the budget allows to meet a growing mission need.
“My intent bluntly is just to buy as many as possible,” Purdy stated. “I think this is clearly a mission need where we need a lot as rapidly as possible.”
This shift toward mass production presents a new challenge for cost modeling. Traditional models based on small, specialized satellite programs like GSSAP do not apply. The competitive nature of the procurement is expected to yield prices that could be dramatically different from initial estimates.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize operational costs, the RG-XX satellites will be designed to use the existing Satellite Control Network (SCN) ground stations. These facilities, managed by Space Delta 6 at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, are the same ones used to operate the GSSAP fleet. This compatibility will reduce the need for extensive retraining of ground personnel and leverage established infrastructure, allowing for a more efficient rollout of the new system.
