The Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionized navigation and timing since its deployment by the U.S. Air Force nearly five decades ago. What began as a military initiative has burgeoned into a vital tool for everyday life and the economy, underpinning everything from transportation and communication to agriculture and finance. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that GPS has contributed a staggering $1.4 trillion to the economy. However, this success is not without its vulnerabilities: an outage could lead to a staggering loss of $1 billion in economic activity per day. Acknowledging these risks, military leaders have prioritized a new initiative designed to bolster the resilience of GPS against potential threats.
The U.S. Space Force has initiated the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS), allocating approximately $2 billion to ensure a backup and alternative network. This program recognizes that the current constellation of 31 GPS satellites remains a linchpin for national security and economic stability. Lt. Col. Justin Deifel, the leader of the R-GPS initiative at the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), likens GPS to essential utilities such as water and electricity. This analogy underscores the pervasive role GPS plays in daily operations, ranging from financial transactions to agriculture. The rise of adversarial powers like Russia and China accentuates the urgency of this project, bringing the issue of satellite security to the forefront.
In a transformative step, the Space Force is leaning upon the commercial space industry to help develop the R-GPS framework. Contracts have been awarded to four key players in the industry: Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space. For Astranis, which recently launched its first “MicroGEO” satellite, the R-GPS initiative represents a strategic expansion beyond their primary focus of satellite internet, venturing into positioning, navigation, and timing services, vital for national security. Astranis CEO John Gedmark has remarked on a growing recognition within the Department of Defense of the advantages that next-generation small satellites can deliver.
As Astranis embarks on this partnership, it has introduced a new lineup termed the Nexus product line, emphasizing its capability for PNT services. These satellites will operate in medium Earth orbit, similar to the current GPS constellation, representing a significant technological expansion. Astranis has successfully raised $750 million since its inception in 2015, evidencing strong investor confidence. This funding has supported the production of internet satellites, with plans for a majority of these to reach geosynchronous orbit by late 2024. Gedmark’s enthusiasm is palpable as he sees the R-GPS initiative as a multi-billion dollar opportunity, aligning perfectly with the company’s offerings.
The expedited timeline for the R-GPS initiative stands in stark contrast to the historically languorous pace of government projects in this sector. Utilizing the Pentagon’s “Quick Start” funding authority, the initiative has achieved remarkable milestones in under six months. From initial approvals to contracts, this speedy process has highlighted a shift in how the Department of Defense approaches its satellite programs. Jedmark emphasized that this swiftness is unprecedented, marking a paradigmatic shift within defense contracting.
The financial parameters of the R-GPS program are noteworthy. The SSC has projected costs between $50 million to $80 million per satellite, estimating total expenses for 24 satellites between $1.2 billion and $1.9 billion over five to six years. Although these figures don’t currently encompass non-recurring engineering costs, early assessments offer a glimmer of optimism regarding project viability. SSC aims to deploy the R-GPS satellites in batches of eight, with the first anticipated launch slated for 2028, showcasing the ambitious plans of the Space Force.
The R-GPS initiative represents a vital step toward securing America’s satellite infrastructure in an evolving global landscape marked by technological advancements and geopolitical tensions. While challenges lie ahead, including gaining a clearer picture of costs and overcoming technical hurdles, the concerted efforts by the Space Force and the commercial sector offer a promising outlook. The integration of innovative approaches and rapid development cycles signals not just an attempt to safeguard GPS but also showcases the potential for greater collaboration between military needs and commercial capabilities. Ultimately, the effective execution of the R-GPS program is paramount to ensure that the indispensable utility of GPS remains resilient and reliable for future generations.