Northrop Grumman will continue to advance secure, jam-resistant satellite communications for the United States Space Force. Last week, the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded the aerospace and defense firm a $398 million contract for the Enhanced Protected Tactical Satellite Communications Prototype (PTS-P), enabling resilient, scalable Ka-band connectivity in contested environments.
It will build on the company’s past work under the SSC’s PTS Family of Systems program, which aims to deliver secure and jam-resistant communications to U.S. tactical forces even in the most contested environments.
“This is a key part of the company’s broader communications solutions, delivering seamless connectivity across all threat conditions,” Northrop Grumman announced.
Space Force’s Force Design
In May, the U.S. Space Force announced that the prototype PTS-P, which would be launched no earlier than fiscal year 2030 (FY30), is part of the service’s Force Design, under the purview of the Acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing.
It is managed by Space Systems Command’s System Delta 88, led by U.S. Space Force Col. A.J. Ashby.
“Enhanced PTS-P represents another important step in delivering more resilient, protected communications capabilities to the joint force,” explained Erin Carper, acting Space Force portfolio acquisition executive for Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing. “This capability will help ensure tactical users can operate with greater confidence in contested environments.”
PTS-P Capabilities
According to Northrop Grumman, the Enhanced PTS-P satellite will feature an advanced, anti-jam payload with a Protected Tactical Waveform processor on a GEOStar-3 commercial bus, plus needed ground equipment, launch preparations and on-orbit testing.
It will further offer “advanced digital processing techniques” along with cost-effective antenna configurations that will deliver unparalleled anti-jam performance. The Enhanced PTS-P is also designed with a modular, flexible architecture, which the aerospace firm stated “is scalable and evolves to meet future mission needs without costly, time-consuming redesigns.”
The technology is built on seven generations of protected, anti-jam communications mission heritage, which Northrop Grumman stated can autonomously and instantly detect and nullify enemy jammers through a combination of advanced on-board processing and expertly configured antenna arrays.
“Our unparalleled anti-jam capabilities let warfighters stay securely connected in the most contested environments. Northrop Grumman is building on proven technology to deliver mission advantage in alignment with Space Systems Command’s Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) Family of Systems,” said Pablo Pezzimenti, vice president, communications and networking, Northrop Grumman.
The United States Space Force will spend $166 million on the Enhanced PTS-P in fiscal year 2027 (FY27), according to budget documents. The defense contractor’s prototype is expected to pass the critical design review, which will then be followed by satellite manufacturing and testing, all in FY27.
An additional $79 million will support the baseline PTS-P’s two satellite launches and another $16 million for ground system integration and early operations, Air & Space Force magazine reported last month.
Q2 2026 Financial Results Coming
Northrop Grumman also announced on Thursday that it will release its second quarter 2026 financial results next month on Tuesday, July 21, prior to the market opening.
“The earnings announcement, and accompanying earnings presentation, will be available on the company’s website,” a statement explained. It added that a live, audio-only earnings call webcast will go live at 9:30 am ET the same day.
