Hoeven: Space Force Awards Additional $10 Million to Test and Develop Satellite-To-Ground Secure Communications Network

Funding Supports the Ongoing Work of Grand Forks’ Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Mission

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Space Force has awarded a nearly $10 million contract modification to General Dynamics toward the company’s efforts to advance the Space Networking Center and satellite mission at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Specifically, these funds will be used to test and develop a data traffic network serving the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission. The project’s goal is to enable interoperability between the new space-based communications system and existing ground-based systems and ensure efficient data traffic as more missions are tied into the network, while keeping the mission information secure.

“This additional $10 million in funding will help support a critical aspect of the LEO satellite mission – ensuring the secure and efficient movement of mission-critical information,” said Hoeven. “Under this award, General Dynamics will test and develop systems that can integrate the first tranche of LEO satellites into the DoD’s communications network. Doing so will lay the groundwork for missions to begin utilizing the satellite communications network and cementing Grand Forks’ central role in supporting military operations around the globe.”

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