Space Development Agency asking for mesh network satellites for PNT data and tracking hypersonic weapons

Tranche 0 is to be on orbit in the fourth quarter of 2022, with new tranches of satellites every two years to increase the constellation’s capabilities.
May 14, 2020
2 min read

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) is seeking proposals for its first batch of satellites, which will make up its initial transport layer — an on-orbit mesh network that will connect space-based sensors with terrestrial shooters. C4ISRnet reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

14 May 2020 -- According to the May 1 solicitation, SDA is looking to award two contracts to build 20 small satellites.

These small satellites will comprise Tranche 0 of the National Security Space Architecture -- a proliferated, low-Earth orbit constellation that will fulfill a multitude of military needs.

Among these needs are tracking hypersonic weapons; providing alternative position, navigation and timing (PNT) data; and delivering beyond-line-of-sight targeting. Ultimately, the agency envisions a constellation made up of hundreds of interconnected satellites.

Related: Lockheed Martin conducts experiments using satellites for space-based mesh network cloud computing

Related: Air Force weapons strategy seeks to learn quickly to make incremental technological advancements

Related: U.S. military has big plans for the kinds of new applications that 5G communications networks will enable

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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