Northrop Grumman Secures $732 Million Contract for 38 Military Satellites
Washington, D.C. – The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Northrop Grumman a significant $732 million contract to manufacture and deploy 38 communications satellites as part of the United States military’s low Earth orbit space architecture. This transformative initiative aims to enhance the country’s tactical network capabilities and enable the seamless transmission of classified data, including early warnings of missile launches.
The contract specifically pertains to the Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha, which constitutes a portion of the SDA’s mesh network. Under this contract, Northrop Grumman will provide ground systems and ensure five years of operations and sustainment. The Alpha satellites, equipped with advanced optical communications terminals and cutting-edge Ka-band communications, are projected to be launched in late 2026.
In total, the SDA intends to deploy 100 satellites as part of the Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha. York Space Systems has been selected to construct the remaining 62 spacecraft. To establish an interconnected space network, the SDA has also ordered 72 Beta satellites from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which will carry more sophisticated communication payloads.
Northrop Grumman has been a key player in the SDA’s satellite deployment plans, having already secured orders for 132 satellites for both the Transport and Tracking Layers. The Transport Layer serves as a tactical network, enabling efficient data transfer to users worldwide, while the Tracking Layer focuses on space situational awareness.
The SDA, operating under the U.S. Space Force, envisions a layered network of military satellites that can seamlessly communicate with each other. With a common data standard in place, satellites manufactured by various companies can collaborate effectively in space.
This contract win for Northrop Grumman not only reinforces the company’s expertise in satellite manufacturing but also highlights its commitment to supporting the U.S. military’s space initiatives. By harnessing the power of advanced communication technologies, these satellites will significantly enhance the country’s military capabilities, paving the way for improved national security.
As we look to the future, the successful development and deployment of these innovative satellites will undoubtedly bolster the United States’ position as a global leader in space technology. The collaborations between Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and York Space Systems signify the commitment of industry leaders to contribute to the country’s evolving space architecture.
