The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has demonstrated Protected Tactical Waveform, or PTW, satellite communications with joint warfighters, marking several first-time achievements in secure satellite connectivity.
Held July 14 to 16, the test event used Boeing-developed subsystems integrated into the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service, or PTES, program.
Accomplishments included frequency hopping under variable interference, over-the-air operations via five PTW-enabled terminals, a secure Voice Over Internet Protocol call and a ground bounce via a commercial satellite.
“This demonstration culminates years of industry and government partnership to realize a modern, anti-jam, low probability intercept waveform that will underpin future tactical SATCOM operations,” said Erin Carper, senior program director for the PTW family of systems. “Adversaries and allies understand the criticality of SATCOM in the modern battlefield, and the threats to SATCOM have evolved accordingly. The PTES Program will ensure that U.S. and allied warfighters can operate through these threats.”
Protecting Communications in Contested Environments
Space Force is developing PTES, a software-intensive ground system, to enable worldwide, anti-jam protected communications for tactical warfighters using the PTW. The PTES program is part of SSC’s Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing Program Executive Office.
With PTW, warfighters could operate through evolving electronic warfare threats. Production-representative PTW modems will be fielded separately by each military service and international partners. Initial PTW deployment will use the Wideband Global SATCOM system, followed by commercial satellites and the Protected Tactical SATCOM system.
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