BAE Systems Awarded Space Systems Command RF Contract
- BAE Systems will build ultra-compact RF terminals for Space Systems Command as prime contractor.
- The terminals are flight-qualified from LEO to GEO and are designed to resist jamming and cosmic radiation.
- Prototype RF flight terminals will be tested in simulated orbital settings for API command sequences and crosslink timing.
- The award supports a Department of Defense jam-resistant data transport layer and Space Force tactical communications investment.
- BAE Systems is preparing production facilities for scalable manufacturing and rapid deployment of the RF terminals.
What happened
Space Systems Command awarded BAE Systems a contract for ultra-compact radio-frequency terminals. BAE Systems announced the award on 2026-10-15 and is the prime contractor. The terminals are flight-qualified for multiple orbital regimes.
What we know
Space Systems Command awarded the contract to BAE Systems, which is serving as prime contractor. The award was announced on 2026-10-15.
The payload consists of ultra-compact radio-frequency terminals that are flight-qualified for multiple orbital regimes, spanning LEO to GEO. They are intended to keep communications working through interference, jamming, and cosmic radiation.
BAE Systems' approach uses space-hardened software-defined radios in a compact SWaP-C form factor, with open API beam-steering. The terminals are meant for integration on small satellites and large prime mission spacecraft.
The work supports a Department of Defense initiative for an interconnected, jam-resistant data transport layer. The Space Force is accelerating investment in tactical communications hardware to enhance global security.
BAE Systems is also prime contractor for the Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking satellite constellation in Medium Earth Orbit, with work in 2026. In 2026, the company delivered sensor flight hardware for Next-Generation Polar missile-warning spacecraft.
The RF terminal effort includes space-characterization testing and collaboration with Space Systems Command technical teams.
Why it matters
The award shows the Department of Defense is pursuing an interconnected, jam-resistant data transport layer, while the Space Force accelerates investment in tactical communications hardware.
For readers tracking the lunar industry, the relevant point is that the terminals are flight-qualified from LEO to GEO and are designed to keep links through interference, jamming, and cosmic radiation.
What's next
Prototype RF flight terminals are to be built, evaluated, and demonstrated in simulated orbital settings. Testing is intended to confirm command sequences through the open API, frequency agility across bands, and crosslink acquisition timing.
BAE Systems is preparing production facilities for scalable manufacturing, with rapid deployment and scalable production listed as milestones.
Sources
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