SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., 10 July 2008.General Dynamics C4 Systems won a $9.2 million contract option to continue the development, qualification, and certification of a National Security Agency (NSA) approved encryption module that will be used to secure telemetry, tracking, and control of Department of Defense satellites.
This option modifies a contract awarded to General Dynamics in July 2006, which brings the total contract value to $19.3 million.
The program's initial critical design review is complete and the current contract phase is focused on system development, qualification, and certification. It is scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of 2009.
The contract is through the U.S. Air Force's Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding KG-327 program, formerly known as Aerospace Vehicle Equipment - Increment One (AVE I1). The KG-327 program is part of the National Security Agency's initiative to modernize information security technologies and devices used on future Department of Defense satellite programs.
"Developing information assurance technologies and systems that can take the stress of space operations over the next 30 to 40 years requires cutting-edge technologies, engineering, and systems integration," says John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance at General Dynamics C4 Systems. "These new encryption modules and systems will enable mission commanders to program security to match mission requirements as well as protect satellites from unauthorized manipulation."
General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor working with subcontractor SafeNet Mykotronx of Belkamp, Md. The Air Force Headquarters Cryptologic Systems Group of San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting authority for the program.
