Us Space Force On Brink Of Historic Radar Upgrade
The United States Space Force has reached a critical phase in its modernization efforts as it …
30. April 2026
Space Force Nabs Big Wins As It Bolsters Geo Satellites With Advanced Radar Tech
The Space Force has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to enhance the nation’s space domain awareness capabilities by awarding contracts to three small companies to develop new radar warning receivers for future highly maneuverable satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). The awards, worth $3 million each, are being funded via the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct-to-Phase II program and will play a critical role in supporting the development of the Space Force’s next-generation neighborhood watch satellites in GEO.
The radar warning receivers, which will detect and characterize emissions from ground-based radars tracking Space Force satellites in GEO, are essential for improving the service’s ability to discern whether its assets are being observed, tracked, or targeted. This is critical information that can be found on. This information is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the Space Force’s satellite operations, particularly in a rapidly evolving orbital environment.
According to Kelly Hammett, Director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), these tactical awareness sensors will provide the USSF with real-time information on potential threats to its satellites. “In the modern orbital environment, it is essential to know if your assets are being threatened,” Hammett emphasized. “This kind of information should really be considered standard to support military satellite operations.”
The Space Force’s next-generation neighborhood watch satellites in GEO, being developed under the Andromeda program (formerly known as RG-XX), will be capable of on-orbit refueling as part of their overall design to be more maneuverable while maintaining a longer on-orbit shelf life than the service’s current Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation. This innovative approach can be found in more detail here. This will enable the Space Force to maintain a continuous presence in GEO, providing critical space situational awareness capabilities to support national security operations.
The Andromeda program is a significant step forward for the Space Force, demonstrating its commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to address emerging threats. The program’s focus on developing highly maneuverable satellites with advanced sensing capabilities will provide the USSF with a critical advantage in detecting and responding to potential threats to its assets.
The Space RCO, which was created by Congress in 2018 as a semi-independent acquisition organization, has played a pivotal role in accelerating the development of new space capabilities. By taking requirements directly from operators at US Space Command, the office is able to identify critical needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. The SBIR Direct-to-Phase II program, which funded these awards, provides a vital mechanism for supporting small businesses and startups in developing innovative technologies.
The recent award of contracts to Assurance Technology Corporation, Raptor Dynamix, and Innovative Signal Analysis, Inc. is just the latest example of the Space Force’s commitment to promoting innovation and advancing space capabilities. These companies will bring their expertise and mature technologies to bear on this critical program, ensuring that the radar warning receivers developed under these awards meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
The follow-on effort, which will include development of small on-board optical payloads for threat warning, is an important next step in the Space RCO’s efforts to expand the sensing modalities of its tactical SDA sensors. This work can be found more information here. This will enable the USSF to integrate more advanced technologies into its satellite operations, providing even greater situational awareness capabilities and supporting a wider range of national security operations.
As the Space Force continues to develop and deploy new space capabilities, it is clear that innovation and collaboration will play critical roles in meeting the challenges of an increasingly complex and dynamic orbital environment. The recent award of contracts for radar warning receivers marks an important milestone in this effort, demonstrating the Space Force’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to support national security operations.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which funded these awards, has provided a vital mechanism for supporting small businesses and startups in developing innovative technologies. By providing funding and resources for small companies to pursue their ideas, the SBIR program is helping to drive innovation and advance space capabilities.
In addition to the radar warning receivers, the Space RCO is also exploring other opportunities to promote real-time “own-ship awareness” for US national security satellites. This can be found in more detail here. This effort involves developing advanced sensing modalities that will enable the USSF to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time, providing a critical advantage in maintaining space situational awareness.
According to charts presented by Kelly Hammett during the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance conference in Hawaii last September, the follow-on effort will include development of small on-board optical payloads for threat warning. These payloads will enable the USSF to detect and characterize emissions from ground-based radars tracking its satellites in GEO, providing critical information on potential threats.
The Space RCO has issued a request for information on April 20 “to identify potential vendors with mature technologies or products suitable for potential additional future SBIR investment,” it added. Interested firms have until May 11 to respond. This call for proposals can be found more information here. This marks an important milestone in the development of this program, demonstrating the Space Force’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
In conclusion, the award of contracts for radar warning receivers marks a significant step forward for the Space Force, demonstrating its commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions to support national security operations. The radar warning receivers will play a critical role in enhancing the service’s space domain awareness capabilities, providing real-time information on potential threats to its satellites.
As the Space Force continues to develop and deploy new space capabilities, it is clear that innovation and collaboration will play critical roles in meeting the challenges of an increasingly complex and dynamic orbital environment. The recent award of contracts for radar warning receivers marks an important milestone in this effort, demonstrating the Space Force’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
The success of these programs will depend on the continued investment of resources and funding into the development of new space capabilities. As such, it is essential that policymakers continue to support initiatives like the SBIR program, which provide vital funding and resources for small businesses and startups pursuing innovative technologies.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, the Space Force can ensure that it remains ahead of emerging threats and maintains a critical advantage in maintaining space situational awareness. The recent award of contracts for radar warning receivers is just one example of this effort, demonstrating the Space Force’s commitment to advancing space capabilities and supporting national security operations.
In the coming months and years, the Space RCO will continue to work tirelessly to develop new space capabilities that support national security operations. As such, it is essential that policymakers remain engaged and supportive of these efforts, providing vital funding and resources for small businesses and startups pursuing innovative technologies. By doing so, we can ensure that the Space Force remains a leader in advancing space capabilities and supporting national security operations.
The recent award of contracts for radar warning receivers marks an important milestone in this effort, demonstrating the Space Force’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. As such, it is essential that we continue to support initiatives like the SBIR program, which provide vital funding and resources for small businesses and startups pursuing innovative technologies.
In conclusion, the award of contracts for radar warning receivers is a significant step forward for the Space Force, demonstrating its commitment to investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. By continuing to invest in cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, we can ensure that the Space Force remains ahead of emerging threats and maintains a critical advantage in maintaining space situational awareness.
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