Space Force Issued New Ground Antenna Solicitation
The service seeks to modernize its satellite tracking network following a major contract termination.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Space
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The U.S. Space Force has posted a new solicitation for its Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource initiative. This effort aims to upgrade ground infrastructure following the 2026 termination of a $1.7 billion prime contract with AeroVironment.
Why it matters
The military requires enhanced tracking capabilities to manage the increased volume of modern satellite constellations. Technical delays and rising costs under the previous agreement forced this shift toward commercial-integrated ground networks.
The program requires transition from traditional parabolic dishes to software-defined beamforming and modular active electronically scanned arrays. This architecture is designed to allow single apertures to track multiple spacecraft simultaneously.
The players
U.S. Space Force
The branch of the U.S. Armed Forces responsible for organizing, training, and equipping personnel to conduct global space operations.
AeroVironment
An American defense contractor known for producing unmanned aerial vehicles and tactical missile systems.
The details
The Space Force plans to leverage commercial satellite operator networks and ground-segment-as-a-service platforms to support its objectives. This restructured approach replaces the legacy Satellite Control Network dependency on singular parabolic dish telemetry.
Timeline
A $1.7 billion prime contract with AeroVironment was terminated in 2026.
The U.S. Space Force issued the SCAR solicitation on Sept. 28, 2026.
Industry white paper submissions are due by Oct. 15, 2026.
The Space Force will evaluate all submissions through late 2026.
Prototype development and installation awards are expected in early 2027.
Deeper Dive
This solicitation represents the latest procurement phase under the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource initiative. By prioritizing software-defined infrastructure, the service is shifting away from reliance on legacy hardware-bound tracking systems.
The transition to commercial-integrated ground segments may lower costs and improve data reliability for military satellite operations. These advancements in beamforming technology could eventually influence broader standards for private-sector satellite communication.
The takeaway
The shift toward software-defined antenna networks reflects a broader military move to embrace commercial, scalable ground infrastructure. This procurement strategy prioritizes technical agility over the high costs associated with maintaining traditional, bespoke parabolic networks.
What happens next
Industry white paper submissions are due on Oct. 15, 2026, followed by a formal evaluation period in late 2026 and anticipated contract awards in early 2027.
Further reading
For more developments on orbital infrastructure, visit the Space section.
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