Under a $515 million USD firm-fixed price contract, Rocket Lab is poised to spearhead the design, development, manufacturing, testing, and operation of the 18 satellites as part of SDA's Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Beta (T2TL - Beta). This initiative is integrated into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), which aims to establish a multi-layered low-Earth orbit satellite constellation to provide secure, low-latency communications and missile tracking for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The satellites, developed by Rocket Lab, will incorporate a variety of subsystems produced in-house, including solar panels, structural components, star trackers, reaction wheels, radios, flight software, avionics, and launch dispensers. As the primary contractor, Rocket Lab is also responsible for managing the procurement and integration of payloads and other subsystems, selecting several reputable companies as subcontractors:
- CesiumAstro will contribute its Vireo active electronically scanned array (AESA) radio frequency (RF) communications payload, notable as the first multi-beam-capable Ka-band communications system for use in SDA's PWSA.
- Mynaric has been tasked with supplying CONDOR Mk3 optical communication terminals, enhancing free space optical communications for air, space, and mobile applications.
- SEAKR Engineering will provide its Tactical Satellite Communications (TACSATCOM) Software Defined Radio (SDR) and Network Encryption System (NES).
- Collins Aerospace is set to deliver the waveform necessary for the SDR, essential software and firmware for TACSATCOM's transmission and reception.
- Redwire Space has been chosen for its expertise in antennas and RF hardware.
- Parsons Corporation will provide the NEBULA Operations - Vendor Architecture (NOVA), serving as Rocket Lab's ground system for the operational management of its 18 satellites.
"Rocket Lab has a strong history of developing highly capable, resilient, and affordable space infrastructure. We're excited to continue this heritage by delivering a reliable satellite constellation to SDA in support of PWSA," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. "Rocket Lab technology has been delivering mission success in orbit for more than 20 years, so when we look for subcontractors to support our programs we select for performance and proven experience - something this hand-picked team has in abundance."
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