The Space Development Agency (SDA) has chosen Northrop Grumman for a significant contract worth $732 million to develop and supply 38 communication satellites for the U.S. military's low Earth orbit space architecture. The contract, which includes ground systems and five years of operations and sustainment, also provides incentive for timely delivery.

The satellites will be incorporated into the SDA's Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha, a crucial component of the agency's mesh network. In total, the network aims to consist of 100 satellites, with Northrop Grumman entrusted with the construction of 38. The remaining 62 will be developed by York Space Systems, as selected by the SDA.

The Alpha satellites, projected to launch in late 2026, will be equipped with various communication functionalities. They will carry optical communications terminals, Ka-band communications, and Link 16 data transmission payloads. These functionalities will enable the Transport Layer to serve as a tactical network, facilitating the quick and secure transfer of classified data worldwide, including early warnings of missile launches.

Notably, the Transport Layer Tranche 2 Alpha is just one part of the broader SDA network. It will also include the Transport Layer Tranche 2 Beta, comprising 72 additional satellites recently contracted to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The Beta satellites will possess more sophisticated communication payloads compared to their Alpha counterparts.

Northrop Grumman has been an instrumental player in the development of the SDA network. So far, the company has secured orders for a total of 132 satellites for both the Transport and the Tracking Layers. The goal is to enable seamless interoperability between satellites manufactured by different companies by implementing a common data standard for communication.

The SDA, operating under the U.S. Space Force, has been actively constructing a layered military satellite network to enhance national security and defense capabilities. The Transport Layer, with its Tranche 2 Alpha and Beta satellites, will play a vital role in enabling efficient and secure data transmission for critical military operations.

The $732 million contract awarded to Northrop Grumman demonstrates the confidence placed in the company's expertise and capabilities within the space development industry. As the project proceeds, Northrop Grumman's contribution will deepen and substantiate the U.S. military's commitment to advancing space technologies and strengthening national defense.