Lockheed Martin to build mesh network of 10 small satellites in two years

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a Tranche 0 contract of the Space Transport Layer by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to build a mesh network of 10 small satellites that links terrestrial warfighting domains to space sensors, all launching in just two years.

The $187.5m contract for Transport Layer’s Tranche 0 is an initial test and demonstration phase, with two prime contractors building a total of 20 satellites. The first step toward building an interoperable, connected secure mesh network, it will help enable Joint All-Domain Operations, allowing warfighters to stay ahead of emerging threats. By linking nodes together, seamless connectivity can be created between all domains.

The 10 satellites, operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), will provide secure high-bandwidth, low-latency data links. Additionally, new Link 16 network connectivity will be introduced to space. This capability will connect to systems that include fighter aircraft like F-16, F-22, and F-35, missile defence networks like PAC-3 and THAAD, weapons systems, and Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) networks, and will provide sensor-to-shooter targeting and situational awareness for tactical land and maritime warfighters.

Each Transport Layer satellite will be fully-software defined, using Lockheed Martin’s software-defined platform SmartSat that makes it easier to dynamically add and quickly change missions in orbit through simple app uploads. The satellites will also be fully cyber-hardened using Lockheed Martin’s Cyber Resiliency Level model to identify cyber strengths and weaknesses.

“We see a world across all warfighting domains where fourth and fifth-generation fighters and tactical forces on the ground can connect seamlessly with holistic situational awareness,” said Kay Sears, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Military Space. “Interoperability and battlespace connectivity are critical to staying ahead of our adversaries.”