HAWTHORNE, California — May 6, 2026 : ThinKom Solutions, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of phased-array satellite communication systems, has been selected as the overall winner of the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) “Fight Tonight” competition for its newly developed Containerized Digital Array, a rapidly deployable and transportable satellite ground station designed for secure communications in contested operational environments.
The award marks a significant step toward integrating the company’s mobile ground segment technology into broader U.S. Space Force and Department of the Air Force operational programs. The selection was made under the Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) initiative, a transition pathway intended to accelerate the movement of operational technologies from development into fielded military capability.
The “Fight Tonight” competition, now in its fourth consecutive year, supports military and civilian technologies that address operational vulnerabilities and improve the resilience of U.S. Space Force missions. This year’s program was conducted jointly by Space Systems Command, the acquisition arm of the U.S. Space Force, and SpaceWERX, the service’s innovation organization focused on accelerating advanced technology adoption.
ThinKom’s Containerized Digital Array was selected for its approach to replacing traditional dish-based Ground Entry Points (GEPs), which are increasingly viewed as vulnerable due to their fixed locations, large signatures, and exposure in contested environments. The new system instead uses a compact, covert, and decentralized architecture intended to improve survivability and operational flexibility for mission-critical satellite communications.
The system is built around ThinKom’s patented VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology combined with the company’s digital beamforming architecture. Rather than relying on exposed parabolic antennas, the Containerized Digital Array integrates concealed phased-array antenna modules within a ruggedized standard shipping container. The modular containerized configuration enables transportation through established commercial and military logistics networks while minimizing deployment preparation requirements in forward operating environments.
According to the company, the shipping container structure also allows rapid relocation and setup while reducing visual detectability compared to conventional satellite ground terminals. The system is designed with low visual, thermal, and wind signatures to improve survivability in operational theaters where ground infrastructure may be targeted.
Internally, the containerized system features a customizable mission-oriented layout capable of supporting communications servers, networking hardware, power management systems, and other mission-specific equipment. Additional options include enhanced physical security systems and environmental control configurations tailored for deployment in harsh operational conditions.
Operationally, the Containerized Digital Array uses a software-defined architecture capable of scalable and adaptable network integration. The system supports simultaneous multi-beam, multi-orbit, multi-band, and multi-network operations across Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Geosynchronous Equatorial Orbit (GEO), and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) satellite constellations.
ThinKom stated that the platform is intended to support the development of a “proliferated ground segment,” a concept emphasizing distributed and resilient communications infrastructure rather than dependence on a limited number of centralized ground stations.
The newly selected platform is part of ThinKom’s broader family of modular ground station systems designed for both defense and commercial applications. The systems can operate across S- through E-band frequencies and are available in both fixed and mobile configurations depending on mission requirements.
The company said the Containerized Digital Array is currently available in C-band, Ku-band, K-band, Ka-band, and Q-band variants, including both commercial and military frequency configurations. Additional capability expansion programs are underway for L/S-band, X-band, EO Ka-band, and V-band operations.
ThinKom’s systems are designed to meet customer-specific Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements as well as network and performance specifications for a range of communications missions.
Headquartered in Hawthorne, California, ThinKom Solutions develops satellite communication antennas and phased-array systems for commercial aviation, government, and defense sectors. The company’s VICTS technology combines characteristics of mechanically steered antennas and electronically scanned arrays to provide low-profile and high-performance satellite connectivity in mobile environments.
ThinKom has previously participated in SpaceWERX-supported development programs related to transportable ground stations and advanced satellite communications infrastructure. The latest SSC “Fight Tonight” selection provides the company with a potential pathway for expanded operational deployment within future U.S. military space communications architectures.
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