Northrop Grumman Selected to Deliver Nearly 40 More Data Transport Satellites for Space Development Agency’s Next Generation Low-Earth Orbit Constellation of Connectivity

Rhea-AI Summary

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $732 million agreement to design and build 38 data transport satellites. These satellites will support Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha), the latest iteration of SDA’s low-Earth orbit Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The contract includes supporting ground elements and five years of operations and sustainment. Northrop Grumman was also awarded a contract for Tranche 1 Transport Layer 1 (T1TL). Northrop Grumman's approach is to combine satellite technology and mission experience with commercial partnerships. The PWSA consists of the Transport Layer and the Tracking Layer, designed to provide data connectivity for military missions and detect and track hypersonic and ballistic missiles.

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) an agreement with a total potential value of approximately $732 million to design and build 38 data transport satellites. These satellites will support Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha), the latest iteration of SDA’s low-Earth orbit Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

• This Alpha announcement follows an August 2023 award to Northrop Grumman of 36 satellites as part of Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta (T2TL-Beta); Alpha and Beta satellites are designed to interoperate on orbit.
• This contract includes supporting ground elements and five years of operations and sustainment with the satellites scheduled to launch starting December 2026.
• Northrop Grumman was also awarded a contract for Tranche 1 Transport Layer 1 (T1TL), which similarly provide low latency, high volume data transport supporting U.S. military missions around the world.
• Northrop Grumman’s approach to the PWSA contracts is to combine our satellite technology and mission experience with strategic commercial partnerships to move at the pace the environment demands.

Expert:

Blake Bullock, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman: “Northrop Grumman, in partnership with our industry teammates, is fully committed to the Space Development Agency’s vision of fielding a next-generation, low-Earth orbit architecture connecting and protecting our warfighters wherever they serve. Our Northrop Grumman team is bringing our deep Military SATCOM experience to this mission, and we’re executing on our commitments.”

Details on the Proliferated Warfighter Space Network:

Northrop Grumman provides both space vehicles and ground systems for the SDA’s PWSA, a next-generation constellation in low-Earth orbit. PWSA has two major lines of effort:

• The Transport Layer: Designed to provide low-latency, high volume data connectivity supporting U.S. military missions around the world.
• The Tracking Layer: Designed to detect, track and ultimately target hypersonic and ballistic missiles.

An artist’s rendering of Northrop Grumman’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer satellites on orbit. Space Development Agency announced October 30 it had awarded Northrop Grumman 38 satellites as part of its Tranche 2 Transport Layer Alpha program. Artist Rendering (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Both layers are designed to interoperate in space using a common data standard allowing satellites made by various manufacturers to communicate seamlessly with one another. Taken together, these satellites are designed to connect elements of an integrated sensing architecture, and the network they create will deliver persistent, secure connectivity, serving as a critical element for Joint All Domain Command Control.

To date, SDA has announced awards to Northrop Grumman of 132 satellites.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

Contact:
David Larter
703-347-2984
david.larter@ngc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b78c5d35-2940-4a8d-b232-dd610bfcda9b

FAQ

What is the agreement between the Space Development Agency and Northrop Grumman?

The agreement is for Northrop Grumman to design and build 38 data transport satellites to support Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha) of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

What is the total value of the agreement?

The total potential value of the agreement is approximately $732 million.

What does the contract include?

The contract includes supporting ground elements and five years of operations and sustainment.

When are the satellites scheduled to launch?

The satellites are scheduled to launch starting December 2026.

What other contract did Northrop Grumman receive?

Northrop Grumman was also awarded a contract for Tranche 1 Transport Layer 1 (T1TL) to provide low latency, high volume data transport for U.S. military missions.

What is the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA)?

PWSA is a next-generation constellation in low-Earth orbit consisting of the Transport Layer and the Tracking Layer. The Transport Layer provides data connectivity for military missions, while the Tracking Layer detects and tracks hypersonic and ballistic missiles.

How many satellites has Northrop Grumman been awarded by SDA?

Northrop Grumman has been awarded a total of 132 satellites by SDA.

What is Northrop Grumman's approach to the PWSA contracts?

Northrop Grumman combines satellite technology and mission experience with strategic commercial partnerships to meet the demands of the environment.

What is the purpose of the PWSA?

The PWSA aims to provide persistent, secure connectivity as a critical element for Joint All Domain Command Control.

What is Northrop Grumman's role in the aerospace and defense industry?

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides solutions for connecting and protecting the world.

How can I contact Northrop Grumman for more information?

You can contact David Larter at 703-347-2984 or david.larter@ngc.com for more information.