Iridium Communications Inc. a provider of global voice and data satellite communications, announces the Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded the General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) and Iridium team a $491.6 million contract modification in support of its Ground Management and Integration (GMI) program for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
Of this amount, Iridium's share has a value of $239 million over five years. This award follows an initial Operations and Integration Contract award in 2022 to build ground entry points and operations centers and manage network operations and systems integration services.
Innovative commercial strategies
"We are committed to delivering SDA and our warfighters an innovative and effective ground system that leverages the many years of Iridium's unparalleled commercial LEO development and operations expertise, helping to ensure they are prepared for the challenges of today and the future," said Scott Scheimreif, executive vice president, government programs, Iridium. "Iridium is excited to be part of this groundbreaking SDA program with our partner General Dynamics Mission Systems."
Iridium is the pioneer in commercial satellite communications network management
With over 20 years of experience operating a crosslinked low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Iridium is the pioneer in commercial satellite communications network management. This unique expertise which includes ground segments, orbital operations and space sustainability leadership, is dedicated to supporting the SDA's efforts to integrate innovative commercial strategies that help the United States quickly deploy the most effective space technologies available in support of the warfighter.
New contract modification
Through this new contract modification, the GDMS-Iridium team will deliver a forward-compatible, state-of-the-art ground system developed in close partnership with SDA and related stakeholders.
The companies will manage integration of the ground enterprise with SDA's Tranche 2 constellation. This includes all required services ranging from engineering design and analysis to testing, maintenance, infrastructure management and site support.