MILSATCOM and the United States Space Force

November 1, 2021

Officially formed in December 2019 as a separate and distinct branch of the United States armed forces and organized under the Department of the Air Force, the United States Space Force is expected to play a major role in the future of America's MILSATCOM program. Consequently, much of Day 2's program will focus on their strategy, beginning with a keynote address being given by Lieutenant General B. Chance Saltzman, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, US Space Force.

One of the presentations sure to attract much interest on Day 2 is called "Enterprise Vision Requirements and Acquisition," given by Colonel Ryan Colburn of the US Space Force. During his presentation, Colonel Colburn will address a number of critical issues including the role of requirements and operational need as drivers for the SATCOM vision. In other words, how important is the speed at which SATCOM capabilities are fielded to outpace adversaries, fill demand, and avoid stovepipe acquisition systems? Colonel Colburn will also address the planned reorganization of the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and Space Systems Command (SSC) and what implications that will have for the SATCOM business unit. The presentation will also cover how the US will field multiple systems at a fast pace while delivering an integrated C2 capability; the importance of Enterprise Management and Control; and plans for a hybrid architectural approach that will leverage purpose-built, commercial, and international partnerships for an integrated SATCOM capability.

Another Day 2 presentation that should prove enlightening is "The SATCOM Ground Segment at SMC." It's no secret that the US DoD is the biggest user of satellite capacity in the world, and with the migration of sophisticated communications and control technology down to the troops on the ground, some people are beginning to wonder if we are prepared for the new Fighting SATCOM vision to enable our warriors to fight and win? In an effort to answer that question, Dr. Mike Baxter, SATCOM Technical Lead, Sprectrum Warfare Division, Space Systems Command, will outline the progress being made towards synchronization with the integrated SATCOM Enterprise Vision to ensure integration with warfighters; the need for greater investment in multiband and multi-waveform capable ground terminals; possible solutions to ensure more industry involvement; and ways to move SATCOM ground systems toward a services-based architecture.

This year’s Global MilSatCom conference offers both online and in-person registration options.

For more information about Global MilSatCom, visit www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/uk/conference/global-milsatcom .