Northrop Grumman’s TRKT3 will build on the Tracking Layer capabilities of Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage and increased integration including precision fire-control sensing. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
The Tranche 3 tracking layer will comprise 72 satellites to provide near-continuous global coverage, with half featuring payloads able to create fire-control data.
SDA was looking to build out PNT capabilities in the Tranche 3 transport layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, which the Department of the Air Force…
“This is the first time we’ll be able to start working with our [combatant commanders] and our joint force to start integrating space into their operations and…
Developed under SDA's Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) program, the platform will test tactical satellite communication capabilities on orbit.
Director of the Space Development Agency, Dr. Derek Tournear, pre-records for the Defense One Tech Summit at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., June 16, 2021. (DoD photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Escott)
Derek Tournear was placed on administrative leave in January following a bid protest from Viasat over the agency's award for the Gamma variant of the Tranche 2…
Troy Meink appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his nomination to be secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., March 27, 2025. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)
On-orbit laser communications are a critical enabling technology for the Space Development Agency's planned mega-constellation known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
