The US Space Force is set to deploy a new generation of reconnaissance satellites by 2030, designed to enhance its surveillance capabilities over rival spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and enable quicker responses to emerging space-based threats. This initiative, dubbed RG-XX, marks a significant shift towards utilizing cost-effective, highly agile satellites that can be acquired in rapid cycles, replacing slower, more complex systems traditionally used in space surveillance.
Geosynchronous Orbit: A Strategic and Vulnerable Position
Geosynchronous orbit (GEO) is a crucial region for satellite operations. Satellites used for communications, missile warning, and intelligence gather in this orbit, remaining almost stationary above a fixed point on Earth. This makes GEO both highly valuable and highly vulnerable to potential threats. US officials are increasingly concerned that adversaries are taking notice and advancing their capabilities in space.
Currently, the Space Force operates the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), a set of satellites that monitor other spacecraft and track debris within GEO. RG-XX aims to expand and eventually replace this program with a larger fleet of smaller, more maneuverable satellites capable of greater flexibility in orbit.
A New Era of Smaller, Agile Satellites
RG-XX will rely on a vast constellation of low-cost, highly maneuverable satellites, many of which will be constructed with commercially available technology. The goal is to move away from a few large, custom-built platforms and instead procure satellites in smaller batches that can be quickly upgraded and replaced before they become obsolete or too predictable.
Contracts and Acquisition Timeline
Space Force officials have indicated that initial contracts for RG-XX could be awarded as soon as February or March 2026. These contracts will establish a vendor pool, with multiple companies competing for specific tasks as the program develops.
The Space Force intends to implement an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) acquisition model. This will allow companies to qualify and compete for task orders on an ongoing basis, ensuring that new companies and cutting-edge technology can be incorporated into the program as soon as it becomes available.
Collaborating with Industry to Shape the Future
RG-XX is envisioned as a flexible, evolving program rather than a fixed design. Early contracts will help address fundamental questions about satellite needs, such as:
- How many satellites are required for effective GEO monitoring?
- What level of maneuverability and endurance can be achieved within a feasible budget?
- Should the satellites be refuelable or capable of in-orbit servicing?
- How often can the satellite constellation be refreshed with upgraded sensors or propulsion systems?
One key consideration is whether refueling will be incorporated. Space Force officials recognize that refueling in space would extend the satellites’ operational lifespans, particularly as they maneuver in GEO. However, the complexity and cost of refueling systems are still under evaluation.
Space Force’s Urgency in GEO Surveillance
The urgency behind RG-XX stems from growing concerns over the actions of other nations, especially China and Russia. These countries have demonstrated the ability to deploy satellites capable of closely approaching or interacting with other spacecraft, potentially interfering with communications or sensors. In this environment, it is no longer sufficient to know what objects are in orbit; the Space Force aims to understand what they are doing and how they might behave.
To support this objective, space domain awareness satellites will provide commanders with direct, up-close visibility into the activities of objects in GEO, supplementing ground-based radar and telescopic surveillance.
Dynamic Space Operations: Adapting to Changing Threats
The concept of “dynamic space operations” encourages satellites to change orbits and respond quickly to suspicious activity, offering a more unpredictable target set for adversaries. Traditional military satellites are often stationed in fixed orbits, making them easy to track and potentially vulnerable. RG-XX, however, will operate a fleet of smaller, mobile satellites that can shift positions, complicating targeting efforts for any potential adversary.
How the Acquisition Model Transforms the Industry
Space Force leaders argue that the RG-XX acquisition strategy sends a clearer signal to the industry, guiding investment into relevant technologies such as small satellite buses, electric propulsion, and on-orbit servicing hardware. The approach moves away from a single long-term contractor and towards multiple vendors and task orders, which helps to maintain innovation and reduce reliance on legacy designs.
The Timeline: Deploying RG-XX Satellites by 2030
Although the Space Force aims to have RG-XX satellites operational by 2030, this does not imply a single, all-at-once deployment. Instead, the constellation will grow gradually over the next several years, with early missions testing key technologies and tactics. Some related demonstrations are scheduled to launch in the near term, focusing on advanced maneuvering, new sensors, and possibly in-orbit servicing concepts. These demonstrations will inform future task orders for RG-XX.
By 2030, the Space Force plans to have a fully operational and constantly refreshed presence in GEO, ensuring the military is well-prepared for any future space-based threats.
Key Concepts Behind RG-XX Satellites
To understand RG-XX, it’s important to grasp these core concepts:
- Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO): A band about 22,000 miles above Earth, where satellites orbit at the same speed the planet rotates, staying fixed over a specific longitude.
- Space Domain Awareness: The ability to track and understand objects and activities in space, from benign debris to potentially hostile spacecraft.
- Proliferated Constellations: A system of many small satellites working together to improve resilience and facilitate faster modernization.
The Future of GEO Surveillance: Risks and Trade-offs
The shift to a larger number of smaller satellites presents several challenges, including more complex management, potential congestion in GEO, and increased tracking requirements to prevent collisions. Additionally, while individual satellites may be cheaper, the cost of maintaining a regular upgrade cycle for the constellation could strain budgets if funding fluctuates.
In the event of a crisis, RG-XX satellites could play a critical role in monitoring and tracking adversarial spacecraft, collecting close-up imagery, or repositioning to cover emerging threats. If refueling or servicing capabilities are incorporated, the satellites’ longevity and flexibility would be significantly enhanced.
Beyond military applications, an agile RG-XX presence could also serve civil and commercial purposes, such as monitoring debris near key satellites, enforcing international space norms, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of critical orbital regions.
