The Space Development Agency awarded York Space Systems a $615 million contract to build 62 communication satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer Alpha spacecraft. The interconnected constellation will provide global connectivity for military users and be located about 1,200 miles above the planet’s surface.
The contract includes an “on-time delivery incentive,” SDA spokeswoman Jenn Elzea told C4ISRNET Oct. 20. SDA has ordered 126 transport satellites from York, with 10 satellites delivered for the agency’s Tranche 0 capability so far.
The Defense Department established SDA in 2019 to build a proliferated constellation of low Earth orbit transport and missile tracking satellites on rapid timelines, with a goal of condensing the usual satellite development and fielding timeline from five to 10 years to about two years.
Tranche 2, which will begin launching in 2026, will include nearly 300 satellites with new capabilities. Along with the Alpha variant, the agency will field Beta- and Gamma-class satellites, each with slightly different capabilities. SDA has also awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to build 36 Beta satellites each.
SDA program manager Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo has stated that as the agency grows its constellation, it needs to ensure satellites with different capabilities can communicate and operate seamlessly, ensuring compatibility and interoperability with Tranche 1 when Tranche 2 is fielded starting in 2026.
