Space Force Issued New Ground Antenna Solicitation
The service seeks a modular satellite network after cancelling a major $1.7 billion contract earlier this year.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Space
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The U.S. Space Force has officially launched a new solicitation for a restructured ground antenna network known as the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR). This initiative follows the military's decision to terminate a $1.7 billion prime contract with AeroVironment earlier in 2026 due to integration delays and cost concerns.
Why it matters
The program aims to solve the technical bottlenecks associated with tracking increasingly dense satellite constellations, which require higher pass volumes than current parabolic dishes can support. By shifting to commercial-friendly architectures, the military seeks to modernize its telemetry and command capabilities.
The new architecture aims to replace traditional parabolic dishes with software-defined beamforming and modular active electronically scanned arrays. These systems allow for multi-beam capabilities, enabling a single antenna aperture to track multiple spacecraft simultaneously.
The players
U.S. Space Force
The newest branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for military operations in space and the management of satellite control networks.
AeroVironment
A defense technology company specializing in unmanned aircraft systems, high-altitude pseudo-satellites, and strategic tactical infrastructure.
The details
The program leverages ground-segment-as-a-service platforms, which allow military users to access commercial infrastructure rather than building proprietary stations. Software-defined beamforming uses signal processing to steer radio beams electronically, while active electronically scanned arrays — flat-panel antennas that use thousands of small elements to direct signals without moving parts — provide the agility needed to track rapid orbital movements.
Timeline
2026: AeroVironment contract terminated.
Sept. 28, 2026: Space Force issued SCAR solicitation.
Oct. 15, 2026: Deadline for white paper submissions.
Late 2026: Space Force evaluates white paper submissions.
Early 2027: Prototype development and installation awards expected.
The Tech Race
The transition to modular, software-defined arrays is a strategic effort to modernize the legacy Satellite Control Network. This shift places the military in direct competition with commercial sector advancements that have already demonstrated high-capacity, multi-beam satellite tracking.
The transition to commercial-integrated ground segments should eventually streamline data throughput for military satellite operators. Users of these systems will see hardware shifts away from traditional mechanical dishes toward modular, solid-state arrays in the coming years.
The takeaway
The move to software-defined arrays signals a pivot toward more flexible, commercial-adjacent infrastructure for national security. Watch the contract awards in early 2027 to see which commercial providers are selected to supply the new modular antenna platforms.
What happens next
Industry white paper submissions are due on Oct. 15, 2026, followed by a formal evaluation period through the end of the year and expected contract awards for prototype development in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on the current evolution of military space infrastructure, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Satnews.
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