Falls Church – – October 15, 2026 -- BAE Systems (LON: BA) has won a contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) to design and demonstrate ultra-compact radio-frequency (RF) terminals for a space-based data layer. The source does not disclose the contract value or schedule.
BAE Systems bases the terminals on its space-hardened software-defined radios
The company will adapt its existing family of space-hardened software-defined radios for the program. The radios are designed to perform reliably in contested or degraded environments, including jamming, electromagnetic interference and space radiation, from deployment into various orbits.
Terminals must pass space-characterization tests and operate from LEO to GEO
The system will carry military-grade security and pass space-characterization tests. It will support operations from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO).
BAE Systems will work with government partners to field and demonstrate the technology. An Application Programming Interface (API) will enable precise pointing between payloads.
BAE Systems targets scalable production for future Department of War needs
The company is preparing the system for scalable production to meet future Department of War requirements. Joe Dziezynski, product line director at BAE Systems Space Systems, said the company's design and established manufacturing capacity will enable "rapid deployment and scalable production." He tied the award to the company's record in radiation-hardened hardware and communications systems, from Apollo-era programs to current deep-space and airborne missions.