BlueHalo Uses Kratos OpenSpace Platform for Space Force SCAR Program Demo

BlueHalo has demonstrated integrated backend mission services that use a fully virtualized satellite communications ground system from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to the U.S. Space Force’s Space Rapid Capabilities Office.

The demonstration, held at the 2024 Space Symposium in Colorado, was part of the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource program, under which BlueHalo was awarded a $1.4 billion contract to augment satellite control capacity for the Space Force Satellite Control Network, Kratos said.

The contract covers phased-array antenna development phases from design to full-rate production and the ground electronics and software required to provide flexible command and control capabilities for the military service satellites.

The demo showed that the OpenSpace software-defined satcom ground system can enable BlueHalo’s Badger adaptive phased-array product to support multibeam, mutiorbit mission operations.

According to Kratos, OpenSpace will allow guardians to quickly deliver new services, reducing the time needed with traditional hardware-based ground systems.

“BlueHalo has checked off another milestone for the SCAR program–not only demonstrating the system’s backend mission services and user interface but, most importantly, collecting valuable insight from guardian operators who will rely on this system for critical space operations,” said Mary Clum, BlueHalo executive vice president and sector president of labs.