The US Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing for a conflict that it expects will take place above the Earth, in space. As the nation with the largest number of satellites, it is taking every precaution to ensure that these systems are safeguarded and constantly operational. US adversaries' threats are evolving with the use of cyber techniques and spoofing tactics and the development of anti-satellite weapons to render these space vehicles ineffective. The protection of satellites is paramount to ensure that US military capabilities (surveillance, missile detection, command and control) are available and operational. Enhancing satellite system signal strength and anti-jamming capability are trends attracting more competitors into the market. Funding for defense space programs is escalating and is opening window of opportunity for companies to enter the defense satellite market; however, those windows close quickly.
Research Scope
The focus of this research is to examine the portion of the US satellite market specifically reserved for use by DoD agencies. It includes spending on the following segments:
- Asset Defense: Programs and development efforts to protect the functionality of defense satellite systems.
- Asset Development: Research and development efforts intended to enhance the capabilities of defense satellite systems in all categories.
- Communications (comms): Satellite communications (SATCOM) systems dedicated to support DoD operations.
- Detection/Warning: Development, upgrades, and maintenance of satellite systems that serve as an essential element in the process of alerting US defense entities of an impending attack.
- Ground Elements: Support components on the ground that control and track satellite systems. Ground elements are also key nodes that collect and relay information generated by satellite systems.
- Meteorological: Developments of satellite systems dedicated to provide weather data for military operational planning and execution.
- Position Navigation and Timing (PNT): Global positioning satellites (GPS) provide essential PNT that enhance warfighter capabilities.
- Surveillance: This segment focuses on the spending allocated for the observation of space assets, whether from the ground or from space.
Key Issues Addressed
- Is the defense satellite market growing, and which segments are landing the highest value of government contracts?
- Which companies are leading the market, and how are they ranked?
- What factors are driving or restraining the market?
- What significant trends are occurring in the market?
- Are there any growth opportunities in the market?
Key Conclusion
Detailed spending on the Military Intelligence Program (MIP) and National Intelligence Program (NIP) are not publicly released due to their sensitive nature.
Table of Contents
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- L-3 Communications
- Technology Service
- Physical Optics
- Linquest
- Braxton
- Ball Aerospace
- Iridium Satellite
- Lockheed Martin
- Engility
- United Launch Services
- Harris
- Northrop Grumman
- Space Exploration Technologies Corp
- Orbital Sciences
- Boeing
- Raytheon
- Tecolote
- Malin Space Science
- BAE Systems