USSF explores contractor-operated model for SBSS
Pathfinder 10 satellite for SBSS. (Image: Boeing)
The US Space Force (USSF) may decide to outsource the maintenance and operation of its Space Based Surveillance System (SBSS) satellite, with responses to a Sources Sought notice due by 2 December 2021.
SBSS is designed to help identify low-Earth orbit military and commercial satellites that may be at risk of being hit by space debris.
Boeing is the incumbent provider of maintenance and sustainment services for the space and ground segments of SBSS, but the USSF is interested in opening up certain services to other contractors.
‘The Government intends to provide SBSS Block 10 and other assets as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE),’ it noted, adding that SBSS as a Service would include ‘contractor operations and maintenance of the SBSS Block 10 [Boeing Pathfinder] system’.
Envisaged tasks for SBSS as a Service would include maintaining health and safety of the space vehicle; executing on-demand space vehicle and payload operations; managing security and cybersecurity; and final system disposal and decommissioning.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
Space Systems Technology Report 2023 now available to read
Unlocking the potential of satellite technology for communications and intelligence-gathering.
-
DSEI 2023: APS claims 90% success rate in tracking drones in Ukraine
Advanced Protection System (APS) has reported a 90% success in tracking Russian UAVs operating in the Ukraine war using its SKYctrl anti-drone system.
-
Conversation with the CEO - Intelsat's David Wajsgras (video)
David Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat, speaks with Shephard Studio about the company's role as a global satellite operator focusing on defence and security, highlighting trends in geostationary (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and emphasising the need for interoperability to enable seamless, global connectivity.
-
DSEI: New antenna revealed by Hascall-Denke
Hascall-Denke has unveiled a new quad-input dual-band sector panel antenna at DSEI, with the US Army announced as a client.