FALLS CHURCH, Va. — BAE Systems has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) to design and demonstrate ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for a space-based data layer. The terminals will support resilient communications between satellites and between spacecraft and ground stations.
Multi-Orbit Satellite Communications
The terminals are being designed to operate across orbital regimes ranging from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). BAE Systems will use its existing family of space-hardened, software-defined radios as the basis for the system.
The terminals are designed to maintain reliable communications despite intentional jamming, electromagnetic interference and space radiation. They will incorporate military-grade security and an application programming interface (API) to support precise pointing between payloads.
Their compact design aims to reduce size, weight, power consumption and cost, allowing integration into both small satellites and larger spacecraft.
Prototype Testing and Production
During the initial phase, BAE Systems will work with Space Systems Command teams to build, test and demonstrate prototype terminals in simulated orbital environments. Testing is expected to cover API command sequences, multi-band frequency agility and crosslink acquisition.
The system will also undergo space-characterization testing. BAE Systems plans to work with government partners to demonstrate the technology and is preparing for scalable manufacturing to meet future military requirements, including those of the Department of War.
BAE Systems Highlights Experience
Joe Dziezynski, BAE Systems’ Space Systems product line director, said: “This contract leverages decades of experience delivering mission-critical, radiation-hardened hardware and communications systems – from Apollo-era programs to today’s deep-space and airborne missions. Our resilient design and established manufacturing capacity will enable rapid deployment and scalable production, supporting the Space Force’s vital mission to enhance global security”.
Contract Details
The contract was announced on October 15, 2026. BAE Systems and the U.S. Space Force have not disclosed the contract’s financial value or the number of terminals to be built. No specific dates have been announced for testing, demonstration or deployment.
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