A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away — specifically, Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs — the U.S. Space Force took another step towards turning science fiction into tactical reality. Their newest cutting edge piece of equipment, the Counter Communications System Meadowlands, isn’t a droid or a lightsaber, but it might be the next best thing: a sleek, ground-based system that can jam enemy satellites from a remote location with remarkable precision and control. It’s not quite the Force, but it does allow for a single, lone operator to command 300% more satellite disruption missions without ever leaving Earth.
On the modern battlefield, where lines of communication are as critical as lines of fire, CCS Meadowlands represents a strategic leap forward in electronic warfare. The U.S. has often been criticized for falling behind the curve when it comes to EW capabilities, especially when it comes to space-based communications. But this new, lightweight, highly automated EW upgrade brings serious muscle to America’s satellite-jamming capabilities, making it faster and easier to silence adversaries in orbit — at least temporarily. In a world where code can neutralize a threat before the first missile is even launched, Space Force is betting big on systems like this to keep the upper hand in space without ever leaving the ground.
The complete Meadowlands system calls for the deployment of 16 truck-sized satellite dishes along with their supporting electronics to strategic positions around the United States and the world. They ride on six-wheeled trailers that can easily be towed around to wherever needed. The system was built for Space Force by L3Harris and follows up on a much larger and less portable system that became operational in 2020. The latest iteration of the system, dubbed version 10.2, is currently the only ground-based, space signal jamming and control platform in the country’s arsenal.
Col. Bryon McClain, USSF Program Executive Officer for Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Space Systems Command recently spoke about the upgraded capabilities that CCS Meadowlands now offers at the annual Space Foundation Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. He stressed how two commands came together — Space Operations Command and Space Systems Command — to make Meadowlands possible, and how the new system will add to both the defensive and offensive capabilities of the United States during any future engagements with satellite-equipped enemies.
“Close collaboration between Space Systems Command and Space Operations Command has facilitated effective prioritization of enhancements and readiness efforts,” McClain said. “This is not merely an incremental upgrade, but a major improvement to this warfighting capability.”
The first two portable Meadowlands units were delivered to Space Force in April. They were extensively tested, earning field approval for deployment of the entire system just a month later. The approval also means that Space Force guardians, what the force calls its servicemembers, can start immediately training on how to operate the new system.
According to Space Force, the new Meadowlands system is different in key ways when compared with the original EW platform from 2020. While both systems can detect, intercept and ultimately block satellite communications, the newer 10.2 version is portable and field deployable. It can also be managed remotely, allowing even a single operator to control multiple ground units positioned around the world from a central location. The system can also be tasked with multiple missions at the same time, such as monitoring one stream of satellite communications while actively blocking another.
Space Force officials also stressed the powerful but light touch that Meadowlands employs. While it can be fully effective in blocking satellite communications, that block is temporary. Once the threat has stopped transmitting, Meadowlands can switch off and allow the satellite to function normally once more. This can be especially helpful if, for example, someone is using a commercial or private satellite system for nefarious activities or battlefield command and control. All of that can be actively blocked using Meadowlands without harming the actual equipment, making it preferable to kinetic weapons like anti-satellite missiles, which the U.S. outlawed further testing of in 2022.
So, there are no lightsabers in Space Force just yet, and the satellites hit with Meadowland’s EW capabilities don’t explode in a satisfying fireball. But with CCS Meadowlands, the U.S. Space Force now has the power to silence bad actors in orbit. In a domain like space where dominance doesn’t just depend on firepower, but also on technology and intelligence, the ability to quietly and precisely mute an adversary’s satellites could prove just as decisive as any missile. It’s not the stuff of science fiction anymore — just another day at the office for the guardians of Earth’s newest battlefield.
John Breeden II is an award-winning journalist and reviewer with over 20 years of experience covering technology. He is the CEO of the Tech Writers Bureau, a group that creates technological thought leadership content for organizations of all sizes. Twitter: @LabGuys
