The spacecraft are part of the architecture’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer, designed to provide secure military communications and carry data from its Tracking Layer. Northrop Grumman said several dozen more of its satellites are expected to launch into low Earth orbit over the next six months for data transport and missile defense missions.
The scale of the program puts a premium on producing satellites repeatedly while ensuring equipment from different suppliers works together. Northrop Grumman said dozens of additional spacecraft have been fully integrated and are undergoing final checks, with multiple contracts under way.
“As a systems engineering center of excellence, we are uniquely suited to integrate these satellites into the warfighter architecture that will defend and protect our nation and its allies,” said Lou Christen, the company’s senior director of proliferated systems. Northrop Grumman said it is working with the agency and industry partners to meet open architecture standards covering satellites, payloads and ground systems.
“Our expertise in developing advanced systems is driving unprecedented scalability in production,” said Keith Matthews, Northrop Grumman’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer program manager. The company said its space manufacturing facilities and supplier base are supporting the wider production effort.
