Northrop Completes Tranche 1 Tracking Layer Satellite Critical Design Review

Northrop Grumman has concluded a critical design review for satellites that will be used for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer, allowing the company to start producing the T1TRK satellites.

Candace Givens, vice president of overhead persistent infrared and geospatial systems at Northrop, said the milestone puts the company closer to delivering missile defense systems to the U.S. military.

The T1TRK comprises 16 satellites capable of identifying and tracking hypersonic and ballistic missiles from launch to interception. It works with the Tranche 1 Transport Layer, another constellation under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, Northrop said.

The company is one of the main contractors for SDA’s PWSA effort, having received contracts to deliver satellites used in the Transport and Tracking Layer constellations.

In November, Northrop received a potential $732 million SDA contract to design and build Tranche 2 Transport Layer-Alpha satellites. Under the deal, the company will provide 38 data transport satellites, as well as ground elements and five years of ancillary support.

In August, Northrop secured a $733 million SDA contract to develop T2TL-Beta satellites. Lockheed Martin also received an $816 million contract for the same task.