Northrop Grumman has finished a crucial design review for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), which forms part of the Space Development Agency's (SDA) low-earth orbit network.
All About T1TL
The T1TL communication satellites are designed to enhance the US's communication system for its troops on the ground, providing a more secure and faster service.
The satellites will deliver high-volume, low-latency, and resilient data transport to support military missions globally.
The integrated sensing architecture will offer secure and continuous connectivity, which is essential in advancing the vision of the Joint All Domain Command and Control system of the US Department of Defense.
Northrop Grumman has won a contract to supply the Space Development Agency (SDA) with a total of 56 satellites, which includes 42 communication satellites for the Tranche 1 Transport layer and 14 satellites for the Tranche 1 Tracking layer equipped with infrared sensor payloads.
The Tranche 1 Tracking program has completed its preliminary design review, while Northrop Grumman will also provide the ground system for both the Transport and Tracking constellations.
Northrop Grumman Partners with IHI
In collaboration with Tokyo-based IHI Corporation, the company will create small, highly agile satellites for SDA missions to enhance security for satellite operators in space using existing Northrop Grumman satellite buses.
In December 2022, Japan's National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy called for the strengthening of the SDA, highlighting the need for sustainable economic activity and national security.
To support this effort, Northrop Grumman's collaboration with IHI Corporation intends to supply small and highly maneuverable satellites for SDA missions to enhance the national security of not only the United States but also Japan and the world.
IHI Corporation has been offering space situational awareness data services for more than a decade to ensure the safe operation of satellites.
Additionally, IHI Aerospace has been providing propulsion devices to Northrop Grumman's commercial satellites and spacecraft for an extended period, fostering a long-standing history of cooperation and trust between the two companies.
Northrop Grumman has a track record of providing ground and space products to monitor the space environment, detect and identify space objects, and aid in their characterization.
The company claims to be a leader in rendezvous and proximity operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and GEO, offering critical logistics, servicing, and inspection capabilities across various mission domains.
"Recently, we have seen a rise in military surveillance efforts from other countries, which is becoming a national security threat. We need to characterize suspicious satellites to understand the threat," Fumiharu Namiki, Vice President, Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, IHI Corporation, said in a statement.
"Northrop Grumman's demonstrated experience in this field and the long-standing cooperation between our companies makes them our best partner to pursue solutions to these problems. We will cooperate together to contribute to the stable use of space."
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