Northrop Conducts Thermal Vacuum Testing for One ASBM Spacecraft

Northrop Grumman has completed thermal vacuum tests for a two-satellite constellation designed to enable broadband communications in the northern polar region.

According to Northrop, the first of two Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellites underwent vibration testing, with another test to follow for the second satellite. ASBM is a two-satellite constellation carrying Ka-band payloads for Viasat, X-band payloads for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization payloads for the U.S. Space Force.

The company also built the Control and Planning Segment for ASBM. CAPS is the ground system that supports compatibility testing for space vehicles and interfacing with the Satellite Operations Center in Norway, Northrop said Tuesday.

The test’s conclusion was announced after Northrop said in August that it completed two key components for the ASBM. In June, Viasat said thermal vacuum testing for one ASBM satellite was completed.

ASBM will follow an elliptical orbit over the Arctic region and will provide continuous broadband coverage in the area. The satellites are slated for launch in 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, according to Space Norway.