At times, the global availability of satellite communications (satcom) can serve as part of an adversary’s weaponry; for that reason, L3Harris Technologies has won a sizeable contract from the U.S. Space Force to stop enemy satcom signals. The $121 million contract is for the upgrade of 16 secure counter-communications weapons that can deny an adversary’s satcom links.
The counter-communications systems (CCS) can help safeguard troops in space and on the ground (see the figure). A ground-based CCS can jam an enemy’s satellite signals with reversible effects, restoring a satcom to proper operation when needed. The CCS installations are equipped with remote control and full data processing power as well as wide spectrum-scanning capabilities to check for the presence of threat signals.
The 16 CCS installations to be upgraded are at Peterson Space Force Base, CO; Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL; and at classified locations outside the continental U. S. Work on the contract will be performed at Melbourne, FL and is expected to be completed by February 28, 2025. Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base (El Segundo, CA) is the contracting agency.