The Pentagon announced Monday it has awarded $1.5 billion to contractors Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin for a "swarm" of 72 tiny prototype satellites meant to detect incoming enemy missiles.
The Space Development Agency said each company will build and operate 36 of the satellites, with approximately $816 million going to Lockheed Martin and $733 million to Northrop Grumman for the project.
The small satellites, each about one-eighth the size of current satellites, constitute the "Tranche 2 Transport Layer" of the U.S. Space Force's planned Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, which when fully deployed will include nearly 1,000 craft in low orbit around the Earth.
The first 28 satellites, called Tranche 0, are scheduled to be launched this year. The first 10 members of the fleet were deployed into low Earth orbit on April 2.
Tranche 1, made up of more than 160 satellites, will follow in late 2024, while Tranche 2's swarm of 72 satellites is scheduled for a 2026 delivery, according to SDA Director Derek Tournear.
"Tranche 2 brings global persistence for all our capabilities in Tranche 1 and adds advanced tactical data links and future proliferated missions," he said in a statement, adding that the newest models include "advanced tactical communication technology."
The Pentagon says the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture is meant to overcome the problems of relying on just a handful big missile defense satellites in placed in geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth, currently tasked with tracking ballistic and hypersonic missiles, especially those coming from China, Russia, and North Korea.
Diminutive satellites designed to operate together are cheaper and can be developed much more quickly, and because they are in low orbit at about 600 miles, are better at detecting a new types of hypersonic missiles which fly closer to the ground than traditional intercontinental ballistic missiles, military officials say.
Their small size and "proliferated" nature also make them a much less inviting target than a single, large-scale satellite, according to the Pentagon.
Source: United Press International
Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Logline: When a new ‘swarm’ of tiny missile defense satellites is deployed, Captain Kirk and Spock must explore the ethical implications of this new technology for galactic diplomacy. When a new ‘swarm’ of tiny missile defense satellites is deployed, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are tasked with exploring the potential implications of this new technology for galactic diplomacy. As they investigate, they encounter a mysterious alien race who claim the satellites are a threat to their sovereignty.
On their mission, the Enterprise crew must grapple with difficult ethical and diplomatic questions, such as whether the new satellites are a necessary defense against galactic threats or a potential breach of diplomatic protocol.
Spock is the primary voice of caution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace with other species in the galaxy. However, Captain Kirk is eager to explore the potential benefits of the new technology, believing it could be a powerful defense against hostile forces.
The episode culminates in a conversation between Spock and Captain Kirk. As they discuss the ethical implications of the satellite swarm, Spock emphasizes the importance of keeping peace and respecting the autonomy of other species. Captain Kirk is more pragmatic, advocating for the use of the new technology as a form of protection against potential enemies.
Both characters attempt to reconcile their differing viewpoints, as the Captain eventually recognizes that the use of the new technology must be balanced with diplomatic restraint.
In the last scene, Spock and Captain Kirk stand together on the bridge of the Enterprise.
Spock: “Captain, the use of this technology will have far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations in the galaxy. We must be mindful of the consequences of our actions.”
Kirk: “I understand, Spock, but we’re living in dangerous times. We must be prepared to defend ourselves against any aggressors.”
Spock: “Indeed, but we must also ensure that we do not violate the autonomy of other species in the process.”
Kirk: “You’re right. We must use this technology responsibly.”
This AI report is generated by a sophisticated prompt to a ChatGPT API. Our editors clean text for presentation, but preserve AI thought for our collective observation. Please comment and ask questions about AI use by Spacedaily. We appreciate your support and contribution to better trade news.
