U.S. Space Force Awards Akima A $480 Million Contract to Modernize Satellite Control Network

The U.S. Space Force has awarded a substantial $480 million, 10-year contract to Five Rivers Analytics, a subsidiary of Akima. This contract aims to support and upgrade the decades-old Satellite Control Network (SCN), a crucial system of 19 globally distributed parabolic antennas that facilitate the operation of U.S. government satellites.

The STORMS Contract

The contract, known as STORMS (Satellite Control Network Tracking Station Operations, Remote Site and Mission Partner Support), is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement. Such contracts allow the Space Force to procure services as needed over a specified period, offering flexibility and efficiency in addressing the evolving needs of the SCN.

Transition from CAMMO to STORMS

STORMS succeeds the previous $445 million CAMMO (Consolidated Air Force Satellite Control Network Modifications and Maintenance Operations) contract, which was awarded to CACI International in 2016. This transition marks a new phase in the evolution of the SCN, with a heightened focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing operational capabilities.

First Task Order

In June, the Space Force announced the first task order under the STORMS contract, valued at $205 million. This task order, with a performance period extending from June 2024 to February 2030, underscores the urgency and importance of modernizing the SCN.

The Satellite Control Network, operational since 1959, plays a vital role in the launch, tracking, control, and maintenance of U.S. government satellites. It ensures that these satellites can transmit and receive data effectively, maintaining their operational status. However, the SCN has been running out of capacity and urgently needs modernization, as highlighted by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report last year.

Akima's Vision for SCN Modernization

"Akima plans to integrate emerging technologies to enhance SCN’s operational efficiency and resilience...This aligns with Government Accountability Office recommendations for improving SCN capacity." - Akima Statement

By leveraging new technologies, Akima aims to address the capacity issues and ensure the long-term functionality of the SCN.

Five Rivers Analytics, based in Colorado and a key subsidiary of Akima, will spearhead the maintenance and management of the SCN. Their responsibilities include managing transportable assets, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, overseeing routine system administration, and ensuring secure communications. These tasks are critical to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the SCN in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The $480 million contract awarded to Five Rivers Analytics represents a significant investment in the future of the U.S. Space Force's satellite capabilities. By modernizing the Satellite Control Network, the Space Force aims to enhance its operational efficiency, resilience, and capacity, ensuring that it remains a pivotal component of national security infrastructure.

As the SCN transitions from CAMMO to STORMS, the integration of emerging technologies and innovative solutions will be key to its continued success and reliability.