Northrop Grumman developing Space Force protected SATCOMs

Defence-industry giant Northrop Grumman has been selected by the US Space Force to develop a Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) rapid prototype payload for an on-orbit demonstration of assured tactical communications.

CAPTION: Non-related Northrop Grumman satellite. Video screen-grab.

Vice president communications systems at Northrop Grumman Cyrus Dhalla said that since the very first protected communications mission, Northrop Grumman had been advancing technology to stay ahead of threats and help ensure mission-enabling capabilities.

“Partnering with the Space Force, our team will demonstrate rapid prototyping by developing and delivering a PTS payload to enhance anti-jamming capabilities for our nation’s tactical forces,” Mr Dhalla said.

“Space and Missile Systems Center’s acquisition approach emphasised collaboration with Northrop Grumman to define and accelerate a program with streamlined processes, rapid prototyping and non-traditional suppliers.

“Leveraging four decades of developing and operating protected payloads to support next generation protected SATCOM technology for contested environments, we are using numerous non-traditional suppliers to help infuse more innovation and affordability into the lifecycle of the program in areas such as cybersecurity, architecture and test.

“As the next generation in operational capability for the protected communications mission, PTS will represent Northrop Grumman’s capacity for rapid prototyping for quick deployment.”

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: This may not be a normal story for CONTACT, but I found it interesting in terms of Space Force being a real thing now, up and running and spending money.

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