News

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin a firm-fixed price agreement valued at approximately 6 million. The agreement is for the construction of 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta satellites. This award is part of a larger plan to enhance deterrence through more resilient space architectures for beyond line-of-sight targeting, data transport, and advanced missile detection and tracking capabilities.

The T2TL Beta satellites will work in conjunction with SDA’s Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks. These satellites will improve the initial warfighting capability by incorporating targeted technology upgrades, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration.

Joe Rickers, the vice president for Protected Communications at Lockheed Martin, states that Tranche 2 will greatly enhance the capabilities of warfighters. It will establish higher levels of resiliency, connectivity, and orbital diversity, all of which are essential for countering future threats. Lockheed Martin’s strategic partnerships with suppliers and small businesses will ensure alignment with SDA’s strategy for accelerated delivery.

The T2TL Beta will consist of 72 satellites and will be launched into orbit starting in 2026. These satellites will then undergo a continuous checkout and commissioning process before becoming operational. With this award, Lockheed Martin will have delivered at least 88 data communications satellites for SDA’s low-Earth orbit military constellation. The company’s Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites are set to launch in 2023, and its Tranche 1 satellites are currently in production and on track for a 2024 launch.

Lockheed Martin will equip its T2TL Beta satellites with advanced technology to enable a global network and maintain the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s advantages in space through a hybrid enterprise. To accelerate delivery and innovation, Lockheed Martin has recently opened a small satellite processing center with the capacity to efficiently assemble, integrate, and test small satellites.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. It employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is involved in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.

The post Award Supports Global Military Communications Access and Delivers Persistent Regional Encrypted Connectivity appeared first on ISP Today.