WASHINGTON — The Space Development Agency on June 28 released a final request for proposals for its next procurement of 100 satellites because the agency continues to construct out a military constellation in low Earth orbit.
These 100 satellites, named Alpha, might be a part of a mesh network referred to as Transport Layer Tranche 2.
The Transport Layer Tranche 2 also includes 72 Beta satellites for which SDA already has requested bids.
The procurement of 100 Alpha satellites might be split between two vendors. SDA issued a draft solicitation in May. The ultimate proposals are due July 28.
Each Alpha satellite could have a minimum of three, or as much as 4 optical communications terminals, a Ka-band and a Link 16 payload. These satellites also might be equipped with on-board command-and-control data processors and autonomous navigation payloads.
Transport Layer Tranche 2 “will provide global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions across the globe,” said SDA.
SDA, a company under the U.S. Space Force, is constructing a layered network of military satellites. The Transport Layer will function a tactical network to maneuver data to users around the globe, communicating classified data comparable to early warnings of missile launches.
The general constellation, which SDA calls the proliferated warfighter space architecture, features a Transport Layer of interconnected communications satellites and a Tracking Layer of missile-detection and warning sensor satellites.
Transport Layer Tranche 2 to launch in 2026
The agency already has acquired satellites for Tranche 0 and Tranche 1 of the Transport Layer and the Tracking Layer. The primary launch of Tranche 0 satellites took place in April and a second Tranche 0 launch is targeted for late July. Tranche 1 is projected to launch in 2024 and Tranche 2 in 2026.
The proliferated constellation is made up of small satellites supplied by multiple vendors, all interconnected via optical laser links.
The Transport Layer Tranche 2 might be SDA’s largest procurement thus far.
SDA said Tranche 2, when deployed, will add enough nodes to the network to supply global coverage for U.S. military users.