The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded four agreements to Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space to produce design concepts for Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation one of the Resilient Global Positioning System program, SSC announced September 23.
R-GPS provides resilience to military and civil GPS user communities by augmenting the GPS constellation with proliferated small satellites transmitting a core set of widely-utilized GPS signals. The decision to pursue R-GPS was based upon outcomes of recent resilience studies recommending an additional proliferated fleet of small GPS satellites.
A mix of traditional and non-traditional defense space companies were selected for this initial award based on their innovative and integrated concepts.
R-GPS is utilizing the new “Quick Start” authority under Section 229 of the most recent National Defense Authorization Act, which provides this innovative and proactive authority to the Defense Department to rapidly respond to emerging threats or technologies.
Utilizing Quick Start, the R-GPS team successfully earned Deputy Secretary of Defense approval, conducted market research, hosted an industry day, released a solicitation, and awarded initial contracts in under six months, far faster than traditional space programs that sometimes require up to three years.
“Thanks to the Quick-Start authority that was approved by Congress, we were able to field and award contracts for these low-cost satellites in less than six months,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. “This authority allows us to move faster and start new Space Force and Air Force programs, and we appreciate Congress providing us this authority.”
This R-GPS award, under the Space Enterprise Consortium Other Transaction Authority, is the first of three phases to produce up to eight R-GPS satellites available for launch as soon as 2028.
R-GPS plans to produce and launch up to eight satellite vehicles at a time via LEAPs. Each LEAP is intended to build on the previous by adding additional capabilities.
“Space enables the prosperity and security of our nation every day, and it is clear that our competitors have taken note,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. “The importance of resilience can’t be overstated as we work to address the new challenges they present. R-GPS is one way we’re working to ensure access to critical Positioning, Navigation and Timing capabilities, for the warfighter and civil users alike.”
Following this initial phase, a subset of the awardees will continue to a Final Design Review and build payload prototypes. One or more vendors will then be selected to build the first satellite vehicles.
Source: U.S. Space Force
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