Insider Brief
- The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has awarded contracts to Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space to develop design concepts for the Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation initiative, part of the Resilient Global Positioning System program.
- The R-GPS program is leveraging a new authority, called “Quick Start,” under Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act. This new framework allows the Department of Defense to accelerate program development in response to emerging threats.
- The program’s next steps involve narrowing down the initial awardees. A subset of the companies will proceed to the final design review to build and test payload prototypes. Eventually, one or more vendors will be chosen to construct the first batch of satellites.
The U.S. Space Force announced the Space Systems Command has awarded contracts to Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space to develop design concepts for the Lite Evolving Augmented Proliferation (LEAP) initiative. LEAP is part of the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program, aimed at strengthening both military and civilian GPS systems.
The R-GPS initiative focuses on boosting resilience by adding a proliferated fleet of small satellites that transmit core GPS signals. These satellites will work alongside the existing GPS constellation, improving redundancy and ensuring uninterrupted service in contested environments. This move follows studies recommending that extra layers of protection are needed for GPS services, especially in the face of growing threats.
In a significant shift from traditional timelines, the R-GPS program is leveraging a new authority, called “Quick Start,” under Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act. This new framework allows the Department of Defense to accelerate program development in response to emerging threats. As a result, the initial R-GPS contracts were awarded in less than six months—a stark contrast to the usual three-year process seen in many space programs.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall praised the new authority for enabling faster contract awards, highlighting its potential to rapidly advance both Space Force and Air Force programs. The current phase of R-GPS, which uses the Space Enterprise Consortium Other Transaction Authority, is just the beginning. Up to eight small GPS satellites are planned for launch by 2028, with each phase adding more capabilities.
The program’s next steps involve narrowing down the initial awardees. A subset of the companies will proceed to the final design review to build and test payload prototypes. Eventually, one or more vendors will be chosen to construct the first batch of satellites.
General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, emphasized the importance of this program, noting how critical GPS is for both military operations and civilian services. He also pointed out the growing awareness among global competitors of the United States’ reliance on space systems. R-GPS represents an important step in maintaining secure and resilient positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities in the future.
Image credit: U.S. Space Force
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