Lockheed Martin deploys ten satellites for Low-Earth Orbit comms
The ten T0TL satellites seen packaged before launch. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Ten Lockheed Martin Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) communications satellites have been successfully deployed in support of the US Space Development Agency's (SDA) T0TL mission.
SDA's T0TL is a proliferated LEO constellation that will demonstrate low-latency communication and provide a resilient network of integrated capabilities.
The small satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 2 September. Soon after lift-off, SDA confirmed separation of all ten of the Lockheed Martin-built satellites from the launch vehicle.
Each satellite incorporates a Terran Orbital bus and payload processors and is equipped with SmartSat, Lockheed Martin's software platform that makes it easier to add and change missions in orbit through simple uploads.
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The satellites also host Link 16 radios to introduce a terrestrial-proven network in space. Link-16 will enable sensor-to-shooter targeting by connecting systems that include fighter aircraft and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) networks.
Lockheed Martin is currently building 42 satellites for SDA's Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) and was recently awarded an agreement to build 36 of SDA's 72 Beta variant satellites for its Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) constellation.
The T1TL and T2TL Beta satellites will be assembled, integrated, and tested in Lockheed Martin's new small satellite processing facility that is designed for the high-volume delivery of complete satellites.
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