Sierra Space resilient GPS Satellite Program achieves major development milestone

Sierra Space resilient GPS Satellite Program achieves major development milestone
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 17, 2025

Sierra Space, a leading commercial space enterprise and defense technology provider, has announced a significant milestone for its Resilient GPS (R-GPS) program with the successful completion of the Systems Requirements Review (SRR). This accomplishment marks a critical step forward in the initiative, which aims to enhance the resilience of U.S. satellite infrastructure to benefit both civilian and military operations.

The SRR, completed just four months after the program's initiation in September, represents a cornerstone in the development of this national security effort. The R-GPS program is designed to counter increasing adversarial threats, such as jamming and spoofing, which pose risks to GPS technology - a vital component supporting applications from navigation and ride-share apps to military operations. Sierra Space's advanced capabilities in small satellite technology and rapid deployment are key factors in addressing these challenges effectively.

"The successful Systems Requirements Review of our R-GPS program is a proof point for Sierra Space technology and a notable commercial milestone with our DoD customers," said Erik Daehler, Vice President of Defense, Satellites and Spacecraft Systems at Sierra Space. "We are focused on efficiency and speed of development to outpace adversaries. The quick turnaround of two months from R-GPS program launch to this next step of development is exactly the speed at which commercial space companies should be moving. We look forward to the next phase of our R-GPS program and getting our satellite technology into orbit."

The R-GPS program has been expedited under the "Quick Start" authority granted by Congress through Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act. This provision empowers the U.S. Space Force to rapidly address emerging threats and leverage innovative technologies. Sierra Space secured a "Quick Start" contract from the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command in September to design smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites. This selection highlights Sierra Space's innovative approach and integrated commercial concepts.

"GPS is vital for everything from financial markets to civilian navigation," said Lt. Col. Justin Deifel, head of the U.S. Space Force's R-GPS program. "It's a utility - like water or electricity - and we need to make sure it's resilient for civilians and warfighters alike, so they have access to GPS when they need it most."

Sierra Space's involvement in the R-GPS program reinforces its dedication to advancing satellite technologies for defense and national security applications. With its expertise in small satellite innovation, rapid deployment, and cutting-edge signal processing, the company is poised to play a key role in bolstering U.S. satellite resilience.