The U.S. Space Force is launching a $2 billion initiative called the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) to establish a backup network for the Global Positioning System (GPS).
This program aims to mitigate the risks associated with potential GPS outages, which could have dire economic consequences estimated at $1 billion per day. The Space Force plans to deploy a constellation of 24 satellites over the next five to six years, with an initial batch of eight satellites expected to launch as early as 2028. The budget for this project is projected to range between $1.2 billion and $1.9 billion.
The R-GPS program has attracted the attention of several key players in the commercial space industry, including Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space.
The economic impact of GPS is significant, with estimates suggesting it has generated over $1.4 trillion in benefits since its inception.
The potential for disruption due to adversarial threats in space has prompted the Pentagon to prioritize the development of the R-GPS network. The program is a proactive measure to ensure the resilience of U.S. infrastructure. The Pentagon has utilized a novel funding authority known as "Quick Start" to expedite the approval process and award initial contracts in less than six months.
The R-GPS program presents a multi-billion dollar opportunity for the companies involved, including Astranis. The company has already secured deals for 12 of its internet satellites and plans for 10 launches to geosynchronous orbit by the end of next year. The R-GPS initiative expands Astranis' operational scope and highlights the increasing recognition of the importance of satellite technology in national security and economic resilience.
The successful deployment of the R-GPS satellites will enhance the resilience of GPS and pave the way for future innovations in satellite technology and services.