Axient secures contract for Resilient GPS Constellation under USSF Initiative

Axient secures contract for Resilient GPS Constellation under USSF Initiative
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 30, 2024

Axient, now operating under Astrion following its recent acquisition, has received a Performer Agreement through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) established between the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) and Space Systems Command. This contract supports the U.S. Space Force's mission by advancing a next-generation Resilient GPS (R-GPS) satellite constellation, designed to enhance space infrastructure security. The initial contract includes a six-month preliminary design phase, with potential expansions leading to a capability demonstration and the delivery of eight R-GPS satellites by 2028.

Dave Zolet, CEO of Astrion, highlighted the contract's strategic importance, stating, "This contract reflects our team's dedication to providing innovative, mission-critical solutions to safeguard our nation's most vital assets. By advancing the R-GPS constellation, we are not only addressing current vulnerabilities but are also shaping the future of resilient space infrastructure for both military and civilian use."

The R-GPS satellites, when operational, will provide continuous GPS signal generation and transmission, ensuring uninterrupted support for core military and civilian applications, even under adverse conditions. The satellite design is built to be user-transparent, maintaining compatibility with current GPS-dependent systems, which is a critical feature for R-GPS's effectiveness in both military and civilian sectors.

Dan Benjamin, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Astrion's Space Division, underscored the strategic need for the R-GPS initiative: "With growing concerns about the vulnerabilities of current constellations, the USSF and Department of Defense (DoD) are developing strategies to bolster the resilience of the Global Positioning System and enhancing the existing infrastructure by leveraging smaller, cost-effective satellites."

Designed to provide additional sources of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data, the R-GPS system supports key military and civilian functions, addressing the Department of Defense's high-priority need for resilient space-based infrastructure.

The R-GPS program is fast-tracked under the DoD's new "Quick Start" acquisition process, a Congressional initiative allowing rapid development and deployment of critical projects without the delays of traditional budget approvals.

In its role as the primary contractor, Axient collaborates with three subcontracting partners: K2 Space Corporation, Radiance Technologies, and Strategic Technology Consulting.