Lockheed Martin Complete SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer Critical Design Review

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the Space Development Agency (SDA) have accomplished a successful Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) program. This milestone paves the way for the production phase, bringing the global military data and connectivity project one step closer to reality.

The completion of the CDR marks a pivotal moment in the development of the Tranche 1 Transport Layer program, which forms a crucial part of the ambitious SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) initiative.

Lockheed Martin has been contracted with building 42 space vehicles out of the total 126, which will be divided into six orbital planes, for the T1TL constellation. The constellation is set to offer secure, low-latency military data and connectivity to various warfighter platforms across the world, utilizing advanced Link-16 waveforms and laser optical intersatellite links.

The collaborative effort between Lockheed Martin and SDA has led to a comprehensive validation of the T1TL satellite and ground designs. The rigorous testing process, conducted over eight months after a successful preliminary design review, encompassed various design validation tests and an interoperability test for the system's optical communications terminal. The successful review reflects the commitment of both parties to ensuring that the designs meet all mission requirements.

“Between SDA’s critical support and engagement and Lockheed Martin’s lessons learned from our work on Transport Layer Tranche 0, we were able to achieve a precise review with successful results...The strength of our relationships and thoroughness of the review positions Lockheed Martin to deliver the T1TL satellites on time for SDA’s 2024 launch.” - ” Chris Winslett, Lockheed Martin’s SDA Transport Layer Program Director

As part of the CDR process, Lockheed Martin 3D-printed a full-scale replica of the Tranche 1 satellite vehicle testbed. This move aimed to optimize assembly, integration, and testing procedures, ensuring a streamlined and efficient production process.

The successful CDR milestone heralds the commencement of the integration and testing phase for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer program. Lockheed Martin will leverage its state-of-the-art 20,000-square-foot small satellite processing facility, specially designed for high-rate delivery and capable of accommodating multiple classes of missions simultaneously.

The T1TL program will be the inaugural project hosted by this cutting-edge facility, reflecting Lockheed Martin's commitment to adapt its operations to meet customer needs with agility and speed.

Lockheed Martin's involvement in the PWSA initiative extends beyond Tranche 1, as the company has also been contracted by SDA to construct 10 Tranche 0 Transport Layer (T0TL) satellites, which are poised for launch in the upcoming summer.

Credit : Lockheed Martin

These satellites will play a crucial role in laying the foundation for an interconnected, secure mesh network that supports Joint All-Domain Operations.

Lockheed Martin's long-standing partnerships with a diverse range of industry experts, including small businesses, have contributed to its ability to deliver high-quality products at competitive costs. By collaborating with a varied supply base capable of producing common components seamlessly, Lockheed Martin has effectively navigated supply chain challenges and streamlined production processes. This approach reinforces the company's commitment to driving innovation in the aerospace and defense sector.

As the PWSA initiative progresses, Lockheed Martin's accomplishments in the Tranche 1 Transport Layer program stand as a testament to the company's dedication to advancing cutting-edge technologies that enhance global military capabilities and connectivity.