Northrop Grumman completes Critical Design Review for constellation of 16 missile tracking satellites.

Northrop Grumman has recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing its Critical Design Review (CDR) for a constellation of 16 missile tracking satellites destined for low-Earth orbit.
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The Tranche 1 Tracking Layer is designed to detect, track and ultimately target hypersonic and ballistic missiles. (Drawing source: Northrop Grumman)

This accomplishment, achieved within just 13 months of the award announcement, paves the way for the commencement of production work on these advanced space vehicles. These satellites are a crucial component of the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK), a system designed to detect and monitor hypersonic weapons and advanced missiles from their initial launch stages to interception.

Once deployed in orbit, these satellites will operate in two of the four designated low-Earth orbital planes. They will be interconnected with the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), forming a high-speed, high-volume data transport network known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The primary goal of the PWSA is to connect U.S. military forces worldwide efficiently.

Candace Givens, Vice President of Overhead Persistent Infrared and Geospatial Systems at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of this achievement in the context of national security. She stated, "We are developing a more responsive, flexible, and resilient space architecture to counter sophisticated threats. By passing this critical milestone on an accelerated timeline, we are closer to delivering critical missile defense and tracking technologies."

The PWSA comprises 14 satellites within the T1TRK, equipped with wide field-of-view sensors, three optical communications terminals, and a Ka-band payload for communication purposes. Additionally, two of these satellites will feature medium field-of-view infrared sensors to demonstrate a fire-control solution.

Northrop Grumman plays a pivotal role as a leading contractor, responsible for both the space vehicles and ground systems that constitute the PWSA. The company continues to collaborate with a growing network of capable suppliers to support this vital mission. The PWSA encompasses two significant components:
* The Tracking Layer: This component focuses on developing a global constellation of infrared missile warning and missile tracking satellites that integrate seamlessly with the Transport Layer's low-latency meshed communication network. This integration enables the tracking of both conventional and advanced missiles from proliferated low-Earth orbit.
* The Transport Layer: Designed to provide low-latency, high-volume data connectivity, the Transport Layer supports U.S. military missions around the world.

To date, the Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Northrop Grumman contracts for a total of 132 satellites. In March, Northrop Grumman successfully completed a Critical Design Review for T1TL, further solidifying its role in this critical endeavor. In October, the SDA awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to design and construct 38 satellites as part of Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Alpha (T2TL-Alpha).

Northrop Grumman is a prominent global aerospace and defense technology company dedicated to equipping its customers with innovative solutions for connecting and safeguarding the world. Their commitment to solving complex challenges defines their mission, with employees working tirelessly to push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe.

It's important to note that this research received partial funding from the U.S. Government, and the opinions expressed in this document belong to the authors and should not be construed as reflecting the official policies of the U.S. Government.

Defense News November 2023