Global Citizenship: What I’ve Learned About the American PCB Business
Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
Lockheed Martin Selected to Deliver 36 Small Satellites to Advance SDA's Communications Network
August 22, 2023 | Lockheed MartinEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded Lockheed Martin a firm-fixed price agreement valued at approximately $816 million to build 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta satellites. T2TL is part of an overarching plan to strengthen deterrence with more resilient space architectures for beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) targeting, data transport, and advanced missile detection and tracking.
The T2TL Beta variant satellites will work in tandem with SDA's Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks. They will advance the initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration.
"Tranche 2 will significantly enhance our warfighters' capabilities and establish new levels of resiliency, connectivity, and orbital diversity that are necessary for countering future threats," said Joe Rickers, Lockheed Martin's vice president for Protected Communications. "SDA's unique acquisition approach expedites the proliferation of this critical technology, and Lockheed Martin's strategic partnerships with a network of suppliers and small businesses will ensure we're aligned with SDA's strategy for accelerated delivery."
T2TL Beta will consist of 72 satellites and will be deployed into orbit over a series of launches beginning in 2026 and will undergo a continuous checkout and commissioning process for acceptance into operations. With this award, Lockheed Martin will deliver at least 88 data communications satellites for SDA's low-Earth orbit military constellation. The company's 10 Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites will launch in 2023, while its 42 Tranche 1 satellites are in production and on track for a 2024 launch.
Lockheed Martin will deliver advanced technology on its T2TL Beta satellites to enable the proliferated global network and maintain the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's technological and military advantages in space through a hybrid enterprise.
To deliver and innovate at speed and scale, Lockheed Martin recently opened a 20,000 square-foot small satellite processing center that is scaled to efficiently assemble, integrate and test smallsats. The facility, which will house Lockheed Martin's T1TL and T2TL Beta satellites, features six parallel assembly lines and dedicated test chambers to deliver 180 satellites or more per year to help enable customers' strategy.
Share on:
Suggested Items
RTX's Collins Aerospace to Provide UK Chinook Helicopters with Interoperable Avionics System
11/12/2024 | RTXCollins Aerospace, an RTX business, has received a $19 million contract from the Department of Defense to equip a fleet of new H-47 Chinooks for the UK Royal Air Force with its Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) avionics management suite.
Absolute EMS Earns ITAR Registration
10/31/2024 | Absolute EMS, Inc.Absolute EMS, Inc., a six-time award-winning provider of fast turnaround, turnkey contract electronic manufacturing services (EMS), proudly announces its ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) registration, reinforcing its commitment to serving military, aerospace and defense OEM customers.
Intersoft Electronics Establishes Services Branch in Asia Pacific
10/08/2024 | Intersoft Electronics GroupIntersoft Electronics Group announced the establishment of Intersoft Electronics Services APAC. This development perfectly aligns to the strategy of serving local markets and expanding the Intersoft Electronics Group’s global presence as a technology and services provider for civil and military CNS customers.
RENK, QinetiQ Announce Strategic Partnership in Advanced Mobility Technology
09/10/2024 | QinetiQQinetiQ and RENK Group AG, a leading supplier of military and civilian propulsion solutions have signed a strategic partnership agreement that will see the two companies jointly develop future mobility concepts for military land platforms in the weight class of 5 to 60 tons. The partnership will focus on advanced hybridisation concepts and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs).
Archer Delivers First Midnight Aircraft to The United States Air Force
08/16/2024 | BUSINESS WIREArcher Aviation Inc. announced it has delivered its first Midnight aircraft to the USAF to evaluate as part of its AFWERX Agility Prime contract valued at up to $142M..