- Lockheed Martin successfully launched 10 small satellites as part of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) mission.
- The satellites, equipped with Lockheed Martin’s SmartSat™ software and Link 16 radios, aim to provide low-latency communication and a resilient network of integrated capabilities.
LITTLETON, Colo., Sept. 2, 2023 — In a significant milestone for the aerospace industry, Lockheed Martin successfully deployed 10 small satellites into low-Earth orbit today, bolstering the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) mission.
A Leap Forward in Space Communication
The T0TL mission aims to demonstrate low-latency communication and provide a resilient network of integrated capabilities. The launch took place at 7:26 a.m. PDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. SDA confirmed the successful separation of all 10 Lockheed Martin-built satellites shortly after liftoff.
“Lockheed Martin is proud to be part of SDA’s mission to rapidly bring a threat-driven, resilient set of integrated space capabilities to life,” said Joe Rickers, Lockheed Martin’s vice president for Protected Communications.
Cutting-Edge Technology in Orbit
Each of the 10 satellites incorporates a Terran Orbital bus and payload processors. They are also equipped with SmartSat™, Lockheed Martin’s software platform that allows for dynamic mission changes through simple app uploads. Additionally, the satellites host Link 16 radios, introducing a terrestrial-proven network in space that will enable sensor-to-shooter targeting by connecting systems like fighter aircraft and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) networks.
Future Prospects
Lockheed Martin is currently building 42 satellites for SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and has been awarded an agreement to build 36 of SDA’s 72 Beta variant satellites for its Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) constellation. These future satellites will be assembled, integrated, and tested in Lockheed Martin’s new small satellite processing facility, designed for high-volume delivery.
The company is partnering with industry leaders and small businesses to accelerate technology innovation and delivery, supporting SDA’s mission to provide resilient national security space capabilities.
