Astronomy Prints 🌌: Voracious demand for satellite internet

National security insights for space professionals. Delivered Tuesdays.

Welcome to this week's edition of SpaceNews Military, your concise source for the latest developments at the intersection of space and national security. In this issue, we cover:

- Soaring military demand for LEO satcom

- Space Force fine-tuning commercial reserve program

- Export reforms aim to make U.S. space industry more competitive

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Space & defense brief 🛰️

ULA begins launch prep for Vulcan's first military mission

United Launch Alliance (ULA) announced on Monday it has started preparations for the first national security mission of its new Vulcan rocket.

The company began assembling the rocket at its Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral for the upcoming U.S. Space Force mission designated USSF-106.

While Vulcan has completed two successful commercial launches, it has not yet received official certification for the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. ULA did not specify a target launch date for the mission.

One of the payloads on USSF-106 is the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to test advanced positioning, navigation, and timing technologies that could enhance the Global Positioning System (GPS) used worldwide for navigation.

Space Force moving forward with commercial reserve program

The Space Force continues to refine the details of the Commercial Space Augmentation Reserve (CSAR) program, which would allow rapid mobilization of private space assets during national security crises.

THE BIG PICTURE: The initiative would establish pre-negotiated agreements with commercial space companies, enabling DoD to quickly tap private sector capabilities when government systems are stressed or compromised. More than 80 companies have submitted formal responses to the program's RFI.

WHAT'S NEXT: Initial contracts are expected to be awarded in early 2025, with priority given to space domain awareness services, satellite communications coverage in the Indo-Pacific region, and integration with military networks during peacetime exercises, according to Col. Richard Kniseley, who heads the Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office.

INDUSTRY FEEDBACK: Companies are seeking clarity on several provisions, particularly:

"Denial of service" requirements that could force vendors to cut off existing customers
Financial protection mechanisms for damaged or disabled assets

The Space Force will host CASR-focused exercises in the National Capital Region in early February.

Congressional committees have signaled support for the program, though lawmakers have requested a study on vendor financial protection measures.

"We're taking an iterative approach with the contracts, but we will be onboarding CASR members early next year," Kniseley told SpaceNews.

THE BOTTOM LINE: As military operations become increasingly space-dependent, DoD is looking to formalize backup systems through commercial partnerships before a crisis hits.

Military demand soars for LEO satellite services

The Space Force is about to blow past its projected spending cap for commercial low Earth orbit satellite services.

BY THE NUMBERS

$900M: Original 5-year contract ceiling set in 2023
$660M: Amount already spent
1 year: Time it took to burn through 73% of the budget

THE BIG PICTURE: The Pentagon's appetite for commercial satellite services is proving insatiable, with military units tapping into secure, high-speed internet provided by private sector space companies. The Space Force facilitates procurement of these services through the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) program.

WHO'S WINNING: SpaceX's Starshield (military version of Starlink), OneWeb, Iridium Communications (with just one order)

WHAT'S NEXT: Col. Richard Kniseley, who runs the Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office, says a ceiling increase is likely. "The appetite is definitely there," he said.

BEHIND THE SCENES: The program's success stems from its bulk-buying approach. Rather than letting individual military units negotiate their own deals, PLEO bundles requirements to secure better rates.

In Other News 🚀

U.S. Government Loosens Export Controls on Space Technologies — The Biden administration has relaxed export controls on certain space technologies, a move aimed at boosting the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the global space market.

The revisions ease restrictions on a range of items, including space-qualified sensors and certain satellite components, allowing broader foreign access while maintaining protections on sensitive technologies. These reforms follow years of industry lobbying and reflect the growing importance of commercial space innovation in national security.

Airbus Set to Cut Up to 2,500 Jobs Amid Space Segment Struggles — Airbus is preparing to cut up to 2,500 jobs, primarily in its defense and space division, as the company faces revenue losses tied to its space segment.

The decision comes as Airbus grapples with delayed contracts, shrinking satellite orders, and increased competition from emerging space players. This restructuring is seen as a move to streamline operations and stabilize the sector.

SpaceX Secures $733.5M in New National Security Space Contracts — The Space Force announced on Friday that SpaceX won contracts valued at $733.5 million for national security space missions, solidifying its dominant position in the military launch sector.

These contracts are part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 program. SpaceX, United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin were selected earlier this year to compete for task orders under the Lane 1 procurement over the next five years.