Space Force Awards Contracts for Satellite Radar Warning Receivers

The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), in partnership with the Space Force's innovation arm SpaceWERX, awarded contracts to three companies for developing radar warning receivers. The contracts, each worth $3 million, went to Assurance Technology Corporation, Raptor Dynamix, and Innovative Signal Analysis, Inc.

The receivers are designed to detect and characterize emissions from ground-based radars tracking satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit. This capability will improve space domain awareness for the U.S. Space Force. The sensors will equip future highly maneuverable satellites.

“These critical tactical awareness sensors allow the USSF to discern whether maneuverable satellites are being observed, tracked, or targeted," said Space RCO Director Kelly Hammett. Hammett stated that in the current orbital environment, it is necessary to know if assets are being threatened. He added that such information supports military satellite operations. The development targets integration with the next generation of satellites under the Andromeda program, formerly known as RG-XX. These satellites will include on-orbit refueling capabilities to enhance maneuverability and extend operational life compared to the current Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program constellation.”

The office acquires capabilities directly from U.S. Space Command operators, focusing on rapid integration of technologies. Much of its work remains classified. In December 2023, Space RCO disclosed that three prototypes for on-board threat warning had been launched that year.

Details were limited due to classification. In March 2025, Hammett described the prototypes as a quasi-operational success in monitoring capabilities to locate U.S. satellites. As of October 2025, the office planned to make two awards by the end of that year.

The current awards expand to three companies.

RCO is planning a follow-on effort to develop smaller threat warning sensors for a broader range of Space Force satellites. This aims to extend the technology beyond the initial geosynchronous focus. The office continues to prioritize tactical awareness in space operations.