The Space Force aims to enhance its orbital warfare capabilities by integrating the modern phased-array antennas being developed under the Satellite Communications Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program with its R2C2 satellite command and control software, according to senior program officials.
SCAR, R2C2 Integration a Priority
Kelly Hammett, director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO), highlighted the importance of linking these capabilities, stating, „the priority that’s being placed on SCAR and R2C2 is really helpful, because we will get the priority from the operators and the testers.”
Need for Speed in Deployment
While acknowledging that „everything is pre-decisional” for the fiscal 2026 budget, Hammett indicated a growing consensus within the service for the rapid deployment of SCAR antennas. „From a force design perspective, I think the service has come around to a position that we’re going to need a bunch of SCARs, and we’re going to need them as fast as we can make them,” he said.
SCAR Modernizes Antiquated Antennas
The SCAR antennas are designed to modernize the Satellite Control Network (SCN), replacing old-style parabolic antennas. Optimized for future satellites capable of rapid maneuvering for avoidance or potential attacks, the phased-array antennas can connect with multiple satellites simultaneously, unlike the SCN’s parabolic antennas, which can only communicate with one at a time. This upgrade is crucial as the Space Force deploys more satellites capable of faster and longer-range maneuvers for satellite warfare.
Three Units Funded, Two for Indo-Pacific Command
The current SCAR program funds three units, with two slated for deployment to Indo-Pacific Command.
AV Delivers Antenna Tiles This Summer
Mary Clum, executive vice president of AV’s Space and Directed Energy Mission Systems group, anticipates delivering the first batch of „operational” antenna tiles to Space RCO this summer. The first antenna „unit is on track for delivery at the end of the year,” she said.
Integration with R2C2 Software
AV is preparing to integrate the antennas with the R2C2 (Rapid Resilient Command and Control) software, already being tested on experimental Space Force satellites. The goal is to have each antenna unit operational as soon as possible after delivery.
R2C2 for Dynamic Space Operations
R2C2, a joint program between Space RCO and Space Systems Command (SSC), aims to rapidly field C2 capabilities for systems performing dynamic space operations. Eventually, all maneuverable satellite systems operated by the Space Force’s Delta 9 will use R2C2, according to Hammett.
Leveraging AWS Cloud Infrastructure
Hammett noted that Space RCO is „leveraging AWS cloud infrastructure for R2C2,” making it „the first big program to do that in the service, particularly at multiple classification levels.” This is expected to facilitate easier use and feedback from operators in the field.
Potential for Multi-Orbit Connectivity
Clum pointed out that initial tests indicate the SCAR antennas, though focused on geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, can also connect to satellites in medium and low Earth orbits. This capability will become increasingly important as the Space Force works to create a „hybrid” mesh network linking military and commercial satellites across all orbits.
