A Space Operations mission commander oversees the Satellite Control Network. Photo: U.S. Air Force, Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes

U.S. government contractor Akima is focused on growing its footprint while working to reinforce security and maintain a technical edge for the national defense sector. 

Earlier this year, Five Rivers Analytics, a subsidiary of Akima won a substantial U.S. Space Force award: the Satellite Control Network Tracking Station Operations, Remote Site and Mission Partner Support (STORMS) contract. The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract has a 10-year period of performance and total contract value of $480 million.

Under this contract, Akima will operate and maintain the Space Force’s primary Satellite Control Network (SCN), a system of 19 antennas distributed around the world.  Operational support encompasses SCN maintenance, transportable assets management, cybersecurity, routine system administration, and communications security (COMSEC) functions.

In this interview, Duncan Greene, president of Akima’s Mission Systems, Engineering, and Technology Group talks to Space Security Sentinel about the Space Force deal, Akima’s technology roadmap, and defending against cyber threats to space systems. 

VIA SATELLITE: What is the importance of the STORMS contract for Five Rivers Analytics/Akima beyond the contract value?  

Greene: This contract is a monumental win for us, reinforcing Akima’s steadfast commitment to the U.S. Space Force and our nation’s defense capabilities. Beyond the financial metrics, this deal is pivotal in driving our broader strategy for growth within this crucial market and across the Department of Defense.

By ensuring the robustness and reliability of the Satellite Control Network, we will help maintain the U.S. military’s advantage in space, paving the way for future advancements in space operations. This landmark deal allows Akima and Five Rivers Analytics to contribute to a safer, more advanced, and resilient space frontier, ensuring the U.S. maintains its strategic superiority in space operations.

VIA SATELLITE: We hear a lot about a spike in defense/government spending because of a new geopolitical era. What are your views on this? Does this bring more opportunity for Akima? 

Greene: The geopolitical landscape undoubtedly influences market priorities. Our leadership and government relations teams actively monitor these shifts as we develop our short- and long-term strategies. The increasing defense spending triggered by geopolitical changes underlines our pivotal role. Akima’s broad range of capabilities allows us to respond adeptly to these evolving demands.

Our primary objective is to strengthen national security and enhance our technological capabilities. By consistently evaluating global trends, we ensure that our strategies remain aligned with market needs, thereby establishing us as a reliable and proactive partner in defense and cyber resilience.

In leveraging our diverse capabilities, Akima can meet the dynamic needs of our expansive customer base, adapting to immediate and long-term geopolitical fluctuations. Our focus remains on reinforcing security and maintaining a technological edge, vital for the national defense sector.

VIA SATELLITE: How do you view the cyber threats to space systems? What can the industry do to make sure space assets continue to remain secure?

Greene: Considering the emergence of sophisticated cyber-attack technologies and techniques, we recognize the significant risk posed to space systems. Foreign adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea actively exploit and prepare to use space systems for warfare. The Russian KA-SAT network attack exemplifies the vulnerability of satellite networks, especially with the increasing deployment of LEO satellites, which expands the targets for cybercriminals.

Akima is committed to strengthening the nexus between cybersecurity and space operations. Our efforts include fostering increased collaboration between these fields to ensure adherence to critical policy and standards, such as the DoDM 8140.03 Cyberspace Workforce Qualifications and Management Program. This standard sets the framework for the qualifications and management of the cyberspace workforce, ensuring that our personnel are equipped with the required skills and knowledge.

By advancing compliance with such standards and promoting continuous professional development, Akima is dedicated to safeguarding our space systems from emerging cyber threats, ensuring their resilience and security. 

VIA SATELLITE: Could you tell us a little about Akima/Five Rivers Analytics technology roadmap? What new technology and solutions are you looking to develop?

Greene: Across Akima, various business groups spearhead the development of innovative technologies and solutions. Our recently acquired Pinnacle Solutions, based in Huntsville, Alabama, is at the forefront of creating and delivering state-of-the-art virtual training and simulation products. Meanwhile, our emerging markets group, under the leadership of Barry Smallwood, is pioneering advancements in areas ranging from advanced data analytics to next-gen cybersecurity protocols.

By fostering these cutting-edge developments, Akima remains committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and ensuring our offerings meet the evolving demands of our clients and the industry at large.

VIA SATELLITE: What do you see as the unique strengths and weaknesses of space-based networks?

Greene: Space-based networks offer unparalleled global coverage and are crucial for real-time communication, navigation, and surveillance. Their primary strengths lie in the ability to operate across vast distances and various terrains, which terrestrial networks cannot match. However, these networks face vulnerabilities, such as susceptibility to space debris, radiation, and potential cybersecurity threats. Continuous innovation and robust risk mitigation strategies are essential to enhance their resilience.

Additionally, the expanded bandwidth and enhanced capabilities of satellite systems are revolutionizing the way real-time warfighter data is processed and transmitted. These advancements enable commanders to make well-informed decisions and relay them effectively to troops on the frontlines. However, to fully leverage these technological improvements, it’s crucial to modernize and expand the existing aged infrastructure to meet the escalating demands of the user community.

VIA SATELLITE: What percentage of your business is with the U.S. government or branches of government? Are there any new target markets for the company?

Greene: Our focus on mission-critical support means that a considerable portion of our business is dedicated to the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense. However, the broader Akima and our parent organization, NANA Corporation, are expanding their commercial operations across various capabilities and customer bases. We are making strategic moves to grow our commercial footprint beyond Alaska and into the continental U.S. This expansion is a key element of our long-term corporate strategy aimed at portfolio diversification, ensuring we build a resilient enterprise that provides lasting value to Inupiat shareholders.

In the federal market, we are continually evaluating new growth vectors that capitalize on our diverse portfolio, especially those that benefit from the integration of our core capabilities and allow us to extend our technological solutions to new clients. 

VIA SATELLITE: How are you embracing/using AI in your systems? 

Greene: Within our organization, we are streamlining back-office operations through advanced AI integration, enabling us to reallocate resources strategically and significantly enhance overall operational performance. Externally, our AI solutions are addressing intricate challenges for our government, defense, and commercial clients.

Our commitment to staying at the forefront of AI advancements empowers us to continuously refine our methodologies and make forward-thinking strategic decisions. This proactive stance ensures that our AI capabilities are driving impactful and sustainable growth for both our business and our customers.

Moreover, we are assisting our clients in the development of compelling AI use cases, the formulation of robust AI policies, and the implementation of pilot projects that fast-track warfighter preparedness and mission success. This dynamic approach not only accelerates technological adoption but also positions our clients to achieve superior outcomes in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape. At Akima, we are not just adapting to the future; we are actively shaping it, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve for our business and our partners.

VIA SATELLITE: As the US Space Force looks for closer ties with the commercial satellite industry, and working with a range of satellite companies/operators, how does this impact a company like Akima?

Greene: Closer collaboration between the U.S. government and the commercial satellite industry offers Akima a substantial growth opportunity. This partnership expands our customer base and enriches our technological offerings, solidifying our position in government and commercial sectors. The synergy created by working closely with the commercial satellite industry will likely lead to innovative solutions, enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of space operations.

This collaboration will foster the development of new technologies and best practices, benefiting government missions, national security, and commercial enterprises. By tapping into the expertise and resources of the commercial sector, we can accelerate advancements in satellite technology and cybersecurity, ensuring that space systems remain secure and operationally superior for national defense.

VIA SATELLITE: What do you see as the main trends in space operations? How are things evolving?

Greene: 2024 has been a transformative year for the space industry, marked by significant consolidation and the advent of groundbreaking technologies such as AI-enabled Earth imaging and asset tracking and the evolution of satellite networks for direct-to-mobile communications. This shift is driven by an escalating demand for enhanced connectivity through satellite positioning and navigation services accessible on mobile phones. AI and machine learning are set to revolutionize these sectors.

Concurrently, NASA continues to push the frontiers of space exploration, with the Artemis II mission aiming to land astronauts on the lunar South Pole, affirming American leadership and innovation in space. Key technological advancements propelling the satellite industry include onboard data processing, improved multi-orbit constellation capabilities, and AI and machine learning for expedited and precise remote-sensing data analysis.