The U.S. military's satellite constellation is now expected to use the advanced Arrow 250, thanks to the latest partnership between Northrop Grumman and Airbus.
The American defense tech company confirmed this detail on July 5, saying that it chose Airbus U.S. Space and Defense as its new satellite bus supplier.
Northrop Grumman added that it will work with Airbus to make the upcoming satellite constellation of the U.S. Space and Defense a reality.
US Military Satellites To Use Arrow 450!
According to SpaceNews' latest report, Northrop Grumman was awarded by the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) with a $692 million contract to manufacture its defense satellites.
The missile maker, together with the other two companies (Lockheed Martin and York Space), is expected to manufacture a total of 42 satellites, which the U.S. military will launch this coming 2024.
On the other hand, Airbus U.S. Space and Defense will manufacture the satellite buses for Transport Layer Tranche 1; a satellite network that will assist military surveillance, enemy trackings, and communications.
For those who have no idea what a satellite bus is, it's a part of a satellite that holds all the essential scientific tools and other equipment.
The satellite bus that Northrop Grumman will integrate into its sats is the so-called Arrow 5.
Airbus Arrow 450
The additional support that Airbus will offer to Northrop Grumman is a much-needed one to develop an efficient satellite constellation that the U.S. military can use.
"The addition of Airbus U.S. as one of our key commercial suppliers complements our end-to-end satellite system integration and heritage communication mission expertise," said Northrop Grumman's Vice President Blake Bullock via the company's press release.
The defense satellites will rely on the new Arrow 450, which is the successor of the recent Arrow 150. This new version is around 300 kilograms to 500 kilograms, making it larger than the older model.
It is expected to be rolled out around the fall of 2023. When it comes to the actual features, Northrop Grumman and Airbus haven't shared any specific detail yet.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military's Valkyrie drones are expected to arrive.
On the other hand, the U.S. Navy hypersonic missile integration will improve the performance of the Zumwalt Class destroyer.
For more news updates about the U.S. military's sat constellation and other defense innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Griffin Davis
