EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Space Systems Command is changing the game in strategic satellite communications with Project Enigma, an initiative that seamlessly connects contractor development environments to a government-hosted digital platform. Designed to support the development of the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) system, Project Enigma fosters secure collaboration between government and industry partners.
The initiative began in January 2023, when Space Systems Command awarded General Dynamics Information Technology an Other Transaction Authority agreement through the Space Enterprise Consortium to develop a secure prototype digital environment for Project Enigma.
Project Enigma leverages model-based systems engineering tools to optimize development workflows, enhance system security, and automate model deployment at scale. This Platform-as-a-Service enables Impact Level 6 (IL6) collaboration, ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity and data protection.
Game-changing technology for ESS development
The Enigma platform represents a leap in how government and industry work together to innovate, streamline development, and deliver secure solutions for national security requirements. With cyber-hardened architecture and tools designed to accelerate system integration, Enigma sets a new benchmark for collaborative capability.
ESS will replace the strategic services provided by the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) constellation and act as the backbone of the nation’s enduring and survivable strategic SATCOM capabilities. This will deliver secure and resilient communications essential to safeguarding the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) mission under all conditions.
Shaping the future of SATCOM collaboration
Project Enigma is championing ESS digital engineering development by addressing challenges in secure collaboration. With unified access to critical platforms, stakeholders can co-develop solutions, share insights, and innovate while maintaining strict security controls and compliance at the highest classification level.
Currently used in operations and available to interested parties, Enigma ensures ESS capabilities are developed faster, smarter, and with high integrity, while maintaining industry-leading security. As the cornerstone of ESS development efforts, Project Enigma positions the Space Force and its partners to deliver mission-critical SATCOM capabilities that are essential to sustaining operational superiority in joint all-domain NC3 operations.
This type of collaborative process is required to deliver secured capabilities to the warfighter at the speed of current technology. The environment reduces reliance on legacy physical media transport, commonly referred to as “sneakernet,” to communicate and collaborate between industry and government.
Dean LoNigro is the Chief of Cyber Threat Response and Information System Security manager for System Delta 88, which leads cyber defense of the nation's critical military communication satellite enterprise within the Satellite Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing portfolio. In his current role, LoNigro leads cyber, artificial intelligence and cryptographic requirements for the mission area’s $53 billion portfolio. Prior to his current role, he spent over 30 years in private industry developing IT operational capabilities across the globe.