Powering the Future: Why Thermal Management Defines the Future of Electronics
Standard of Excellence: Engineering Is the New Sales—How Technical Collaboration Wins Business
SMT Perspectives & Prospects: Artificial Intelligence, Part 7—Data Module 2
Lockheed Martin Selected to Deliver 36 Small Satellites to Advance SDA's Communications Network
August 22, 2023 | Lockheed MartinEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded Lockheed Martin a firm-fixed price agreement valued at approximately $816 million to build 36 Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Beta satellites. T2TL is part of an overarching plan to strengthen deterrence with more resilient space architectures for beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) targeting, data transport, and advanced missile detection and tracking.
The T2TL Beta variant satellites will work in tandem with SDA's Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 networks. They will advance the initial warfighting capability with targeted technology enhancements, mission-focused payload configurations, and increased integration.
"Tranche 2 will significantly enhance our warfighters' capabilities and establish new levels of resiliency, connectivity, and orbital diversity that are necessary for countering future threats," said Joe Rickers, Lockheed Martin's vice president for Protected Communications. "SDA's unique acquisition approach expedites the proliferation of this critical technology, and Lockheed Martin's strategic partnerships with a network of suppliers and small businesses will ensure we're aligned with SDA's strategy for accelerated delivery."
T2TL Beta will consist of 72 satellites and will be deployed into orbit over a series of launches beginning in 2026 and will undergo a continuous checkout and commissioning process for acceptance into operations. With this award, Lockheed Martin will deliver at least 88 data communications satellites for SDA's low-Earth orbit military constellation. The company's 10 Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites will launch in 2023, while its 42 Tranche 1 satellites are in production and on track for a 2024 launch.
Lockheed Martin will deliver advanced technology on its T2TL Beta satellites to enable the proliferated global network and maintain the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture's technological and military advantages in space through a hybrid enterprise.
To deliver and innovate at speed and scale, Lockheed Martin recently opened a 20,000 square-foot small satellite processing center that is scaled to efficiently assemble, integrate and test smallsats. The facility, which will house Lockheed Martin's T1TL and T2TL Beta satellites, features six parallel assembly lines and dedicated test chambers to deliver 180 satellites or more per year to help enable customers' strategy.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
The Right Approach: The End of an Era—DoD Proposes MIL-PRF-31032 Cancellation
04/21/2026 | Steve Williams -- Column: The Right ApproachThe Defense Logistics Agency has initiated formal proceedings to cancel the military's primary performance specification for printed circuit boards, a move that could reshape how the U.S. defense industrial base qualifies and sources one of its most critical electronic components. On March 4, 2026, DLA Weapons Support issued a memorandum to military and industry coordination activities announcing that MIL-PRF-31032, along with its six associated specification sheets, has been proposed for cancellation. A 30-day comment period was allotted, with concurrence or comments due by April 3, 2026.
Northrop Grumman Delivers GPS-Jamming-Resistant Airborne Navigation System
04/20/2026 | Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman delivered the first production unit of the EGI-M navigation system, designed to provide military users with accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data.
Lockheed Martin Wins $105M U.S. Space Force Contract for GPS Ground Control Upgrade
04/20/2026 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin has been awarded a contract worth up to $105 million by the U.S. Space Force to continue modernizing and sustaining the Global Positioning System (GPS) ground control network.
EMI Promotes David Vue to Lead Military and Aerospace Division
03/31/2026 | Express Manufacturing Inc.Express Manufacturing, Inc. (EMI), a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, announced the promotion of David Vue to Military and Aerospace Division Manager.
Mobix Labs Secures Significant U.S. Navy Tomahawk Missile Component Order as Production Accelerates
03/04/2026 | BUSINESS WIREMobix Labs, Inc., a provider of 5G mmWave, defense, and aerospace components, today announced receipt of a significant production purchase order for components used in the U.S. Navy’s Tomahawk cruise missile program.