Space Systems Command - SSC

ICYMI: What comes next for on-orbit servicing?

In a virtual event, Col. Scott Carstetter, SSC director of Servicing, Mobility and Logistics was joined by industry partners to discuss what is next for the technologies, policies and business models required to build a functioning in-orbit logistics ecosystem. The conversation addressed needs ranging from supporting commercial space stations and lunar exploration to enabling more resilient military operations in orbit.

Tune in to see which markets will mature first? What technical standards are needed for vehicles built by different companies to work together? And how should governments encourage commercial investment? https://spacenews.com/what-comes-next-for-on-orbit-servicing-event/

Building a more cohesive, unified acquisition workforce.

Portfolio Acquisition Executives representing Space Access, Infrastructure and Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing along with Space Systems Command’s (SSC) director of Contracting shared information about our strategic shift toward delegating decision-making and prioritizing minimum viable products in order to better rapidly deliver space capabilities to the warfighter at the 2026 Space Contracting Executive Forum.

The Forum was organized by SSC Contracting and convened panels of government, industry and acquisition leaders to discuss commercial innovation, rapid acquisition, and long-term sustainment of space capabilities. Attendees also discussed the use of system interfaces to solve complex integration challenges; expanding commercial partnerships for range commodities; and eliminating tribalism between contracting, finance, and program management teams to build a more cohesive, unified acquisition workforce.

Congratulations to Maj. Andrew Ermitano on being named a 2026 Via Satellite Rising Star!

As SpaceWERX Ventures Deputy and vital leader within Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Commercial Space Office (COMSO), Maj. Ermitano has partnered with more than two dozen commercial space startups over the past year to navigate SBIR/STTR funding and scale critical technologies into Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) programs. By matching private venture capital with government resources, these initiatives deliver operational capability to the warfighter in four years or less at a fraction of traditional program costs.

Ermitano’s holistic revamp of the SpaceWERX SBIR award process — spanning funds management, company evaluation, and mission alignment — has helped seed the commercial industrial base and produced six companies, with many more advancing the mission. Tenacious, brilliant, and personable, he blends expertise across finance, contracting, program management, tech scouting, and private capital to build unique acquisition pathways for space startups in support of all Portfolio Acquisition Executives as part of the joint COMSO/SpaceWERX team.

Based his contributions to SpaceWERX, SSC and the space and satellite industry at large, Maj. Ermitano was among a small group of diverse young professionals selected for this year’s award.

Join us in celebrating his well-deserved recognition and continued dedication to driving defense space innovation! https://www.satellitetoday.com/people/2026/07/27/via-satellite-rising-stars-of-2026/

Space threats are real and put our Nation and our way of life at risk.

To counter these emerging threats, is accelerating space acquisition, ensuring we rapidly deploy the capabilities needed to protect our domain. Learn more about these threats and our security in space through our video series “From Science Fiction to Science Fact”: https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/space-threats

Our new GHOST-R collaboration with DIU is a true force multiplier.

USSF Col. Bryon McClain, acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space Combat Power says it best, “We are leveraging rapid prototyping to push the envelope of what commercial tech can deliver to the RG-XX program.”

Ensuring that successful prototypes will have a direct path to transition into the program of record is another way that will enable us to deliver vital capability to the warfighter faster to ensure a more resilient architecture.

More: https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article/4605264/diu-and-space-systems-command-award-ghost-r-prototype-contracts-to-support-geo

Can your organization augment existing satellite command and control capabilities?

Space Force’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive office for Battle Management Command, Control, Communications and Space Intelligence is seeking commercial solutions for its new Satellite Communications Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program.
The SCAR program will augment the ’s Satellite Control Network, which provides the tracking, telemetry, and commanding capabilities required to support Department of War, National Security Space, and other U.S. government satellite operations.

Defense contractors and non-traditional commercial providers may access this solicitation to submit mature commercial capabilities available for government evaluation.

Learn more: https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article/4603230/space-force-announces-commercial-solutions-opening-strategy-for-satellite-commu

The legacy continues!

Dr. Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Missile Warning and Tracking, presents the System Delta 84 guidon to Space Force Col. Kenneth J. Smith, incoming SYD 84 commander, from Space Force Col. Stevie Medeiros, outgoing System Delta 84 commander, during a change of command ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Col. Smith received his first salute from the formation.

The transfer of the guidon signifies the formal transfer of leadership. SYD 84 supports SSC and the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Missile Warning and Tracking responsible for delivering space-based missile warning and tracking, and other strategic and resilient sensing capabilities that directly enable the warfighter to deter, defend, and win.