Space Force to Study Military Communications Use-Case for MicroGEO Satellites

The U.S. Space Force is investigating the potential of utilizing small satellites in geosynchronous orbits to improve military communications networks.

The Space Force Commercial Satellite Communications Office issued a request for information on Oct. 18 about microGEO satellites, which are smaller and more affordable compared to traditional GEO satellites. According to the RFI, the Space Force wants to know of sources capable of delivering microGEO satellites and if the spacecraft can provide greater maneuverability and enhanced and more resilient communications compared to their traditional counterparts.

Clare Hopper, chief of the Commercial Satellite Communications Office, said during the MilSat Symposium that an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract could be issued for microGEO satellite acquisitions.

Companies currently exploring the microGEO sector include Intelsat and Inmarsat, SpaceNews reported.

Aside from military satellite communications, the Space Force and other U.S. agencies use geosynchronous orbits for situational awareness.

In September, the Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office announced that their SilentBarker mission reached geostationary orbit, where it would perform threat surveillance. NRO Director Chris Scolese said SilentBarker will track various threats, including those posed by adversarial satellites.