The transport layer in the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) of the Space Development Agency. Photo: SDA
The Space Development Agency excellent York Space Systems And Tyvak Nano Satellite Systems Contracts for the construction and operation of 10 satellites each of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) – Gamma variant. SDA announced the awards on August 16.
The total value of the Tyvak prototype contract is approximately 254 million US dollars. York Space Systems’ prototype contract has a total value of approximately $170 million. Each prime contractor will build 10 satellites.
SDA Director Derek Tournear said these orders complete the hardware procurement phase for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
“The T2TL-Gamma spacecraft will demonstrate global communications access and operationalize persistent global encrypted connectivity to support missions such as beyond-line-of-sight target acquisition,” commented Tournear.
According to the SDA’s T2TL Gamma tender, these spacecraft will include optical communications terminals to support intra- and inter-layer links, links to terrestrial OCTs (ground, air and sea), and links to compatible spacecraft outside the transport layer.
This is the first time that Tyvak, a Terran Orbital company, has been a prime contractor for SDA. The award came one day after Lockheed Martin announced a deal to acquire Terran Orbital in a $450 million deal after the company ran out of cash and reduced its backlog.
York Space Systems previously delivered nine satellites for Tranche 0 of the PWSA. The company is also manufacturing 42 satellites for Tranche 1 of the PWSA and 12 experimental satellites for the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimental System. 62 Alpha satellites for T2TL in a $617 million contract.
“York Space Systems is proud to continue our partnership with the SDA in delivering innovative satellite solutions,” said Melanie Preisser, York’s executive vice president and general manager. “Our team’s proven track record, including successful development and launch of satellites for the SDA’s Tranche 0 and upcoming Tranche 1 tiers, positions us to meet the demanding requirements of the T2TL-Gamma program and further expand the Department of Defense’s space capabilities.”
The second transport layer will consist of the Alpha, Beta and Gamma spacecraft. In addition to the York Alpha satellites Northrop Grumman is building 38 Alpha T2TL satellites under a $732 million contract.
Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are each building 36 satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta variant. Northrop Grumman received $733 million and Lockheed Martin $816 million.
