The United States Space Force is fundamentally changing its approach to developing and selling advanced space technology, with a new focus on making future satellite systems accessible to international partners from the outset. This strategic shift aims to streamline the process of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and strengthen space-related alliances, according to senior officials.
During a media roundtable on September 24 at the Air and Space Force Association’s conference, Major General Stephen Purdy announced that the replacement for the nation's primary geosynchronous surveillance satellites will be designed as an unclassified, refuelable system available for purchase by allied nations.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force's next-generation surveillance satellite program, RG-XX, will be unclassified and designed for Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
- The new satellites will also be refuelable, a significant technological advancement for orbital assets.
- Demand for U.S. space technology from international partners is rapidly increasing, with the dollar value of FMS cases doubling annually.
- The Space Systems Command is currently managing 80 FMS cases, with future sales expected to be worth billions.
- Allies are interested in a range of capabilities, including satellite communications, space domain awareness, and missile warning systems.
A New Paradigm for Space Systems Acquisition
The upcoming RG-XX program, intended to succeed the highly secretive Geosynchronous Space situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), marks a significant departure from past practices. By developing the system as unclassified from its inception, the Space Force aims to remove long-standing barriers that have complicated technology sharing with allies.
Maj. Gen. Purdy, who holds multiple senior acquisition roles within the Department of the Air Force, emphasized the flexibility of this new approach. He suggested that an international partner could potentially fund and receive the new satellite system even before the U.S. procures its own.
“We may actually be doing an FMS case before we even get to ours,” Purdy stated, noting that the timeline would depend on “which money flows fast.”
This model mirrors the successful F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, where multiple international partners contributed to development and acquired aircraft before the system was fully operational in the U.S. military. According to a Space Force spokesperson, this strategy allows the U.S. to support partner needs proactively.
Growing International Demand for Space Capabilities
The strategic shift is driven by a surge in global interest for American space technology. Nations are allocating larger budgets for sovereign space programs and are looking to the U.S. as a primary supplier. The Space Force's acquisition arm, Space Systems Command (SSC), is actively adapting to this trend.
FMS Growth by the Numbers
According to SSC chief Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant, the dollar value of FMS cases related to space technology is “essentially doubling every year.” The command is currently managing 80 active cases across its portfolio, with the total value of future agreements projected to be in the billions.
In February, the SSC held its first-ever FMS enterprise conference to prepare its personnel for what it described as a “tidal wave” of new requests. This proactive stance is necessary to manage the increasing complexity and volume of international partnerships.
While the Pentagon has a long history of selling GPS user equipment to allies, the scope of demand has expanded dramatically. International partners are now seeking a wide range of advanced systems.
High-Demand Technology Areas
An SSC spokesperson confirmed that interest spans multiple mission areas. The most sought-after capabilities include:
- Military Satellite Communications (SATCOM): Both ground-based infrastructure and on-orbit assets are in high demand.
- Space Domain Awareness: Allies are seeking ground-based systems to monitor objects and activities in orbit.
- Space Control Systems: This includes technologies related to space electronic warfare.
- Missile Warning Capabilities: There is significant interest in space-based sensors for early missile detection.
These requests are originating from nations across several key strategic regions, particularly those within the areas of responsibility for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Southern Command.
Future Programs Designed for Partnership
The RG-XX program is the leading example of this new “FMS-friendly” design philosophy, but it is not the only one. Maj. Gen. Purdy revealed that the Space Force is also in discussions with undisclosed international partners about potential FMS versions of other critical systems.
What is Foreign Military Sales (FMS)?
Foreign Military Sales is a U.S. government program that facilitates the sale of defense articles, services, and training to foreign governments. The program is managed by the Department of Defense and is a key tool for U.S. foreign policy, designed to strengthen alliances and promote regional stability.
One such system is a space-based connectivity network, similar to the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This layered network of satellites is designed to provide resilient, low-latency communications for military forces globally. Offering a version to allies would enhance interoperability during joint operations.
Additionally, Purdy mentioned “a lot of interest” in the developing domain of air- and ground-moving target indication from space. This capability involves using satellites to track moving vehicles on the ground and in the air, providing critical intelligence for military commanders.
By embedding international considerations into the earliest stages of program development, the Space Force is positioning itself to be more responsive to the security needs of its allies. This approach not only streamlines acquisitions but also fosters a more integrated and capable global partnership in the increasingly contested space domain.