Overview
- The contract announced June 11 between Space Systems Command and Viasat covers building, launch, on‑orbit checkout, ground infrastructure, and five years of operational support for one Swarm 1 mini‑GEO satellite.
- Multiple reports say two Swarm 1 delivery orders were issued that together total about $437.6–$437.7 million for two satellites, with Viasat delivering one and coverage differing on whether Intelsat or SES won the other award.
- PTS‑G is designed to supplement the large AEHF fleet by fielding smaller, maneuverable GEO satellites that use both X‑band and Ka‑band links to make tactical communications harder to jam or target.
- Space Systems Command is using an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity model with a roughly $4 billion ceiling and a multi‑vendor approach that lets contractors reuse commercial designs such as ViaSat‑3 to cut schedule and technical risk.
- By bundling lifecycle work—tracking, telemetry and command, network operations and cybersecurity—into production awards, the program shifts operational readiness and defence responsibilities to contractors while targeting initial operating capability no earlier than 2029.