JavaScript Required

Jumpseat Aerospace News requires JavaScript to function. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue.

Space Force Plans Rolling Purchase of RG-XX Satellites

January 26, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Space Force plans rolling purchase of RG-XX satellites.
ID/IQ contract allows for multi-award vendors.
Satellites will be refuelable in orbit.
First task orders expected shortly after vendor selection.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

This acquisition strategy may indicate the Space Force's desire for flexibility and adaptability in its space situational awareness capabilities. The use of an ID/IQ contract suggests a willingness to work with multiple vendors and adjust procurement based on service needs and budget, which could lead to faster innovation and more effective use of resources.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Flexible Acquisition Strategy For Next-Gen Space Situational Awareness

The Space Force is planning to buy its new RG-XX neighborhood watch satellites on a rolling basis, using a pool process under which multiple qualified vendors will be issued individual task orders. The program is designed to replace the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation and will feature refuelable satellites. According to Col. Byron McClain, program executive officer for Space Combat Power at Space Systems Command, the flexibility of the new approach is necessary due to uncertainty about the number of satellites needed. The Space Force hopes to choose qualifying vendors for the pool by early March and issue the first task orders shortly thereafter, as first reported by Defense Daily.

Source

Companies Mentioned