- Northrop Grumman is set to update its Tranche 1 design, adding new broadcast and tactical communication capabilities to the PWSA.
- The new satellites, part of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta (T2TL Beta), will enhance the PWSA mesh network, ensuring near-real-time communications for U.S. defense forces globally.
WASHINGTON – Aug. 21, 2023 – In a significant move to bolster the U.S. space infrastructure, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been chosen by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to design and manufacture 36 data transport satellites. These satellites will be the pioneering space vehicles in the newest generation of the low-Earth orbit Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
Enhancing Global Defense Communications
The forthcoming satellites are designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing PWSA mesh network. By leveraging high-capacity optical crosslinks, these satellites will ensure that U.S. warfighters and defense platforms worldwide have access to near-real-time communications. This latest design, termed the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Beta (T2TL Beta), is an advancement from the previous 42 Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and 14 Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK) satellites that SDA had awarded to Northrop Grumman. The T2TL Beta satellites come equipped with new broadcast and tactical waveforms, further enhancing the capabilities of the overarching PWSA.
Blake Bullock, Vice President of Communication Systems at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the intricacies of developing a low-Earth orbit communication framework tailored to the needs of the military. He stated, “With Northrop Grumman’s extensive military satellite communication experience and deep mission understanding, we are helping SDA make its vision a reality.”
Earlier this year, in April, Northrop Grumman announced the successful completion of a critical design review on its T1TL design in just over a year. By May, the company had also wrapped up optical interoperability testing. Keeping pace with its milestones, Northrop Grumman is gearing up to launch its first set of 21 space vehicles by the fourth quarter of 2024.
As a global frontrunner in aerospace and defense technology, Northrop Grumman continues to deliver pioneering solutions that empower its customers to connect, protect, and explore the vast expanse of space. With a workforce of 98,000 dedicated employees, the company remains committed to addressing the world’s most challenging problems and pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
