The satellites carry a handful of different payloads, including the two US Space Force Enhanced Polar System-Recapitalization jam-resistant communication payloads, an X-band communications payload for Norway's Ministry of Defence, and a Ka-band payload for commercial firm Viasat.
Maj. Gen. Michael Greiner said that the Space Force's initial plans are to develop four new Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global satellites, although those plans could change as the program is a new start for FY25.
Michigan’s defense ecosystem and expertise makes it a special asset for production.
The Space Force's goal is to create a resilient SATCOM architecture by using multiple types of satellites with better encryption and dispersed over various orbits to flummox adversary jamming attempts — with US national security planners fully expecting sophisticated electronic warfare attacks against satellites in future conflicts.