The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has successfully launched two Enhanced Polar System – Recapitalization (EPS-R) payloads on August 11, 2024. The payloads were carried aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in northern Santa Barbara County. These payloads are part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission, hosted on two satellites owned by Space Norway.
The Northrop Grumman-built satellites were placed into a highly elliptical orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket. Their mission is to provide communication services over the Arctic region, carrying payloads for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, the U.S. Space Force, and ViaSat.
This launch marks a significant step in deploying U.S. capabilities in space through cost-effective means. The EPS-R program team collaborated with Space Norway and used SpaceX as the commercial launch provider. Attention now turns to activating the payloads and completing operational acceptance by the U.S. Space Force.
"The program team has done an outstanding job getting to the launch milestone," said Ernest Finney, EPS-R Payload Manager at SSC. "The program office delivered its ground system eight months prior to launch, delivered payloads nine months ahead of schedule, and delivered at a cost below the Acquisition Program Baseline (APB). Now we're looking forward to ensuring a comprehensive test campaign to deliver this capability to the warfighter."
Space Systems Command is the field command of the U.S. Space Force responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient space capabilities that protect the nation's strategic advantages. Managing a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, SSC partners with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic institutions, and allied organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats. The command's efforts today are paving the way for a safer and more secure space environment tomorrow.
