Space Systems Command is moving strategic satellite communications development onto a cyber-hardened digital platform under an initiative called Project Enigma. The effort connects contractor development environments to a government-hosted platform built to support the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications system, the command said July 28.
The initiative began in January 2023, when the command awarded General Dynamics Information Technology an Other Transaction agreement through the Space Enterprise Consortium to prototype a secure digital environment. Enigma uses model-based systems engineering tools to optimize development workflows, strengthen system security and automate model deployment at scale.
The platform supports Impact Level 6 collaboration, a strict cybersecurity and data protection standard. It is designed to replace the legacy practice of physically transporting material between sites, sometimes called sneakernet, with direct secure digital exchange between industry and government.
The ESS system will replace the strategic services provided by the Advanced Extremely High Frequency constellation and act as the backbone of the nation’s enduring and survivable strategic SATCOM capabilities. Cyber, AI and cryptographic requirements for the mission area, a portfolio valued at $53 billion, are led by System Delta 88, which defends the military communication satellite enterprise.
