// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

PWSA

PWSA, or Protected Wideband Satellite Architecture, refers to a planned network of military satellites designed to provide highly secure and robust communication. It aims to deliver high-capacity data transmission while being resistant to jamming and other forms of electronic interference from adversaries.

PWSA — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

The Protected Wideband Satellite Architecture (PWSA) is a future resilient, anti-jam (AJ), and low-probability-of-intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) satellite communication (SATCOM) system envisioned by the U.S. Space Force to deliver secure, high-bandwidth data transmission for Department of Defense (DoD) operations, specifically engineered to operate effectively within contested space environments against advanced electronic warfare threats.

BACKGROUND

The Golden Dome is a planned multi-layer missile defense system for the United States, intended to detect and destroy ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles before they launch or during their flight.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Protected SATCOM
  • Resilient Wideband Architecture
  • Secure Satellite System
  • Anti-jam SATCOM
  • Strategic Wideband
  • Future Wideband System

USAGE NOTE

PWSA is a key strategic initiative for the U.S. military to ensure persistent and survivable wideband communications for national security in an increasingly competitive and contested space domain.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to PWSA.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A leading defense contractor involved in the development and manufacturing of advanced military satellite communication systems, including those designed for protected wideband capabilities and resilience against jamming.

  • Boeing

    A major aerospace and defense company contributing to military satellite programs and developing advanced communication technologies crucial for protected wideband satellite architectures.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Provides critical components, payloads, and integration services for secure and resilient satellite communication systems, supporting the objectives of protected wideband architectures for national security space.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Develops and supplies advanced satellite communication terminals, modems, and network solutions that enable secure, anti-jam, and protected tactical communications over wideband satellite links.

  • Viasat

    Known for its high-capacity and secure satellite communication systems, Viasat provides resilient and protected solutions for government and military users, including technology relevant to protected wideband satellite architectures.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    Involved in developing advanced communication technologies, including secure waveform processing and ground systems that contribute to the robust and protected nature of wideband satellite communications.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Develops and integrates secure, resilient communication networks and ground infrastructure that support military operations, interfacing with and leveraging protected wideband satellite capabilities.

  • U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC)

    As part of the U.S. Space Force, SSC is responsible for developing, acquiring, equipping, and sustaining space capabilities, including the programmatic and architectural leadership for Protected Wideband Satellite Architectures.

  • MIT Lincoln Laboratory

    A federally funded research and development center that performs advanced technology development, prototyping, and systems analysis for national security, including secure and protected satellite communication systems and architectures.

RELATED TERMS IN SPACE & COUNTER-SPACE