The U.S. Space Force is nearing its first contractor selection for the next-generation geostationary surveillance program, which can change the way, from which the Pentagon buys some of its most sensitive satellites. The service plans to select satellite manufacturers for the "Geostationary reconnaissance and surveillance" program (RG-XX) in March 2026 year. The program involves the construction of a new constellation of reconnaissance satellites using commercial proposals. Their quantity in the first RG-XX order will depend on available financing and cost proposals from suppliers. Satellites will be built with the possibility of refueling in orbit, so that their operational life can be extended beyond their initial fuel supplies.
Speaking at the annual conference, organized by the AFCEA branch, program management presented the RG-XX as a test option for the US Space Force's "commercial first" strategy. The program is seen as a likely successor to the geostationary space situational awareness program (GSSAP) - constellation, built by Northrop Grumman (one of the world's largest American military-industrial companies, working in the aerospace and defense industries). GSSAP satellites perform one of the most demanding space awareness missions - object tracking and characterization, operating near the geostationary orbit belt for approximately 22 000 miles above the Earth. The US Space Force is preparing to launch the 7th and 8th GSSAP satellites in mid-February this year on a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket, while the 9th and 10th spacecraft are in production.
The Space Force creates a contract mechanism with an unspecified number of deliveries and a choice of suppliers (IDIQ). The IDIQ framework is designed to accelerate contract processes and reduce overhead. A request for proposals was sent out earlier this month, and submissions are expected in early February.
Source: https://spacenews.com