As part of its modernization efforts, the Space Force had an open contact for upgrading its Satellite Control Network (SCN). This contract was dubbed STORMS: Satellite Control Network Tracking Station Operations, Remote Site and Mission Partner Support, and was won by Akima, a defense contractor owned by Alaska Native Corporation. The contract is $480 million over a 10 year period and is a Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, meaning that the Space Force can requisition any amount of contracted services it needs over that 10 year time period.

The need for this modernization effort is largely due to the SCN ground stations reaching their technical capacity for supporting new satellites and limited bandwidth for existing satellites. As things stand currently, users are forced to reduce any non-critical contacts to the SCN. These issues are covered in a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in April of 2023, linked in the sources. The initial plan was to expand capabilities by integrating 12 new high capacity antennas into the SCN to help with increase the bandwidth of the system. Currently, the SCN consists of 19 parabolic antennas spread across the globe and has significant cyber implications. It is used by U.S. government satellites for everything from TT&C, launch, and maintenance. That ultimately makes it responsible for ensuring those satellites can communicate data effectively and stay functional over time.

The system was originally designed in the late 50s, so even outside of the issues found in the GAO study, it was due for some significant upgrades. Many of these old systems were not designed with cybersecurity in mind, but cyber will be a major factor in the modernization. None of the linked articles mention what cyber steps are being taken, but that they are a major focus of the updates, so it should be interesting to see if there are any reports in the future on the actual cyber upgrades.


Source(s):
https://spacenews.com/akima-lands-480-million-space-force-contract-to-modernize-satellite-control-network/
https://spacenews.com/report-u-s-military-satellite-antennas-overdue-for-upgrades/
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-105505