Lockheed Martin to supply 36 Small Satellites to advance SDA satcom network
by Staff Writers
Littleton CO (SPX) Aug 22, 2023
The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a firm-fixed price agreement valued at approximately $816 million to build 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta satellites. T2TL is part of an overarching plan to strengthen deterrence with more resilient space architectures for beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) targeting, data transport, and advanced missile detection and tracking.
The T2TL Beta variant satellites will work in tandem with SDA's Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks. They will advance the initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration.
"Tranche 2 will significantly enhance our warfighters' capabilities and establish new levels of resiliency, connectivity, and orbital diversity that are necessary for countering future threats," said Joe Rickers, Lockheed Martin's vice president for Protected Communications. "SDA's unique acquisition approach expedites the proliferation of this critical technology, and Lockheed Martin's strategic partnerships with a network of suppliers and small businesses will ensure we're aligned with SDA's strategy for accelerated delivery."
T2TL Beta will consist of 72 satellites and will be deployed into orbit over a series of launches beginning in 2026 and will undergo a continuous checkout and commissioning process for acceptance into operations. With this award, Lockheed Martin will deliver at least 88 data communications satellites for SDA's low-Earth orbit military constellation. The company's 10 Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites will launch in 2023, while its 42 Tranche 1 satellites are in production and on track for a 2024 launch.
Lockheed Martin will deliver advanced technology on its T2TL Beta satellites to enable the proliferated global network and maintain the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's technological and military advantages in space through a hybrid enterprise.
To deliver and innovate at speed and scale, Lockheed Martin recently opened a 20,000 square-foot small satellite processing center that is scaled to efficiently assemble, integrate and test smallsats. The facility, which will house Lockheed Martin's T1TL and T2TL Beta satellites, features six parallel assembly lines and dedicated test chambers to deliver 180 satellites or more per year to help enable customers' strategy.
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:This article discusses the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) award of an $816 million firm fixed price agreement to Lockheed Martin (LMT) to build 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta satellites. The T2TL Beta variant satellites will work in tandem with SDA’s Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks and will advance the initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration. Lockheed Martins 10 Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites will launch in 2023, while its 42 Tranche 1 satellites are in production and on track for a 2024 launch. T2TL Beta will consist of 72 satellites and will be deployed into orbit over a series of launches beginning in 2026 and will undergo a continuous checkout and commissioning process for acceptance into operations. Over the past 25 years, the space and defense industry has seen a shift towards increased focus on resiliency, connectivity, and orbital diversity in order to counter future threats. This article’s discussion of Lockheed Martin’s development of advanced technology to enable the proliferation of a global network and maintain a Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture’s technological and military advantage is in line with this trend. Investigative
Question:
- 1. What is the timeline for the completion of the T2TL Beta satellites?
- 2. What specific technology enhancements will the T2TL Beta satellites provide?
- 3.
How will the T2TL Beta satellites contribute to SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture?4. What are the implications of this award for Lockheed Martin’s stock value?
5. How is Lockheed Martin strategically leveraging its partnership with suppliers and small businesses to ensure alignment with SDA’s strategy for accelerated delivery?
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