In a significant leap forward for U.S. national security and space defense, BAE Systems has been selected by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command to develop a cutting-edge satellite command and control (C2) system under the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program. This groundbreaking initiative will empower the Space Force with a unified, resilient, and scalable platform to operate its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) missile warning satellites, while also transitioning the existing Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation onto this advanced framework.
The FORGE C2 system represents a transformative approach to satellite operations. By consolidating telemetry, tracking and command, flight dynamics, mission management, and ground resource management into a single, integrated software framework, FORGE C2 will streamline how operators manage the nation’s missile warning satellites. This consolidation not only simplifies operations but also significantly reduces maintenance costs, minimizes the need for extensive training, and allows for seamless extensibility to future missile warning assets.
Don Speranzini, vice president and general manager of Ground Systems & Services for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems, emphasized the program’s strategic importance: “FORGE C2 represents an innovative new approach to advancing command and control capabilities for the Space Force. Our team has worked as a mission partner with the Space Force to develop a system that effectively monitors threats and helps strengthen the defense of the U.S. and our allied nations. We’re proud to contribute to this critical mission.”
BAE Systems’ selection for the FORGE C2 program builds on its extensive history of delivering industry-leading ground systems to defense and intelligence communities worldwide. The company’s deep expertise in space mission systems is further demonstrated by its contributions to developing infrared sensor payloads for the Next-Gen OPIR constellation. This unique combination of experience and mission knowledge has been instrumental in advancing the FORGE C2 system to meet the rigorous demands of modern missile warning operations.
The Next-Gen OPIR satellites are the cornerstone of the U.S. missile warning architecture, designed to detect and track missile launches with unprecedented accuracy and speed. These satellites provide critical early warning capabilities that protect the nation and its allies from emerging missile threats in an increasingly contested space environment. The constellation includes satellites in geosynchronous orbit covering mid-latitudes and polar orbit satellites providing surveillance over the northern hemisphere’s most vulnerable regions.
By transitioning both the new Next-Gen OPIR satellites and the legacy SBIRS constellation onto the FORGE C2 system, the Space Force ensures a unified, resilient, and agile command and control capability that can adapt to evolving threats and technological advancements.
A key strength of the FORGE C2 program lies in its commitment to modern software engineering principles and open architecture. By leveraging Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS), Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS), and free or open-source software components, the program accelerates acquisition timelines and fosters collaboration with a broad ecosystem of technology providers. This approach enables rapid integration of new capabilities and ensures that the command and control system remains flexible and scalable for future mission needs.
The Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) framework, under which the FORGE C2 contract was awarded, exemplifies this innovative acquisition strategy. SpEC bridges traditional military procurement with commercial space industry agility, allowing BAE Systems and other partners to rapidly prototype and deliver advanced solutions that meet the Space Force’s demanding operational requirements.
The FORGE C2 system is more than just a technological upgrade; it is a critical enabler of national defense and allied security. By providing satellite operators with a streamlined, efficient, and robust platform, FORGE C2 enhances the United States’ ability to detect missile launches early, track their trajectories accurately, and respond decisively. This capability is vital in a world where missile technologies are rapidly evolving, and space is becoming an increasingly contested domain.
BAE Systems’ role as a mission partner highlights the collaborative spirit needed to maintain strategic advantage in space. The company’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence directly supports the Space Force’s mission to protect the nation and its allies from emerging threats beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Space Force’s scalable architecture ensures that as new satellites and technologies come online, they can be seamlessly integrated into the command and control framework, preserving continuity and enhancing capability.
This forward-looking design philosophy positions the FORGE program as a foundational element of the United States’ integrated missile warning, tracking, and defense architecture. It aligns with broader efforts to maintain space superiority through rapid innovation, resilient systems, and strategic partnerships across government and industry.
The selection of BAE Systems to develop the FORGE C2 command and control system marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of space-based missile warning capabilities. By uniting cutting-edge software solutions with decades of mission expertise, this program promises to deliver a resilient, efficient, and future-ready platform that will safeguard the nation and its allies in an era of unprecedented space challenges.
