Space Force Bets on Cloud-Based Marketplaces to Fix Satellite Bottleneck

The U.S. Space Force is tackling a critical challenge: managing the explosive growth of satellites with its aging ground infrastructure. To address this, the Space Force has awarded contracts totaling $17.6 million to Auria Space and Sphinx Defense, both based in Colorado Springs. These contracts are for the development of prototype cloud-based marketplaces, designed to connect military satellite operations with a broader network of commercial and government-owned antennas.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Space Systems Command (SSC), aims to create a "joint antenna marketplace." Auria Space secured an $8.1 million contract, while Sphinx Defense received $9.5 million to build competing versions of this marketplace.

The core issue? The current Satellite Control Network (SCN), a collection of ground stations, is struggling to keep pace with the increasing number of satellites in orbit. Many of these antennas are decades old and can only communicate with one satellite at a time, leading to bottlenecks and delays.

“Our current ground infrastructure that’s heavily relied on by operators cannot handle the sheer number of missions we anticipate,” said Lt. Devrin Chullanandana, an official with Space Systems Command, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The joint antenna marketplace is envisioned as a digital clearinghouse where satellite operations centers can dynamically schedule communication sessions with antennas based on availability, bandwidth, and mission needs. By integrating commercial and government-owned ground infrastructure into a single, cloud-based system, the Space Force hopes to boost flexibility and reduce contact delays.

Col. Patrick Little, senior material leader for SSC Tactical Command, Control and Communications, stated that this effort will advance the U.S. Space Force’s commercial space strategy by integrating commercial solutions into a hybrid space architecture at speed and scale.

Commercial satellite operators have long advocated for the military to leverage underutilized commercial ground infrastructure. Many commercial providers report unused capacity, which could help alleviate pressure on government-owned assets without requiring significant capital investments.

Beyond the marketplace, the Space Force is also investing in new phased array satellite antennas through the $1.4 billion Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program.

This move towards cloud-based solutions and commercial partnerships reflects a broader effort within the Department of Defense to streamline space acquisitions and adapt to emerging threats. The Joint Antenna Marketplace program is designed to support U.S. and allied fighting forces, ensuring the country's space security is maintained.

Will these cloud-based marketplaces effectively address the growing bottleneck in satellite communications? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

• Cloud Computing
• Satellites
• Space Force