The transport layer in the Space Development Agency’s National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). Photo: SDA

The Space Development Agency awarded York Space Systems and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems contracts to build and operate 10 satellites each of the Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) – Gamma variant. SDA announced the awards on Aug. 16. 

The Tyvak prototype agreement has a total value of approximately $254 million, while the York Space Systems prototype agreement has a total value of approximately $170 million. Each prime will build 10 satellites. 

SDA Director Derek Tournear said these awards close out the hardware procurement phase for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).  

“The T2TL – Gamma space vehicles will demonstrate global communications access and operationalize persistent global encrypted connectivity to support missions like beyond line of sight targeting,” Tournear commented. 

According to the SDA’s T2TL Gamma solicitation, these space vehicles will include optical communications terminals to support in-plane and cross-plane links, links to terrestrial OCTs (ground, air, and maritime), and links to compatible space vehicles external to the Transport Layer. 

This marks the first time Tyvak, a Terran Orbital company, will perform as a prime vendor for SDA. The award came one day after Lockheed Martin announced a deal to acquire Terran Orbital in a $450 million deal after the company slashed its backlog and was running out of cash. 

Terran Orbital said in a news release the satellites will be based on its Ambassador bus, an ESPA-Grande satellite platform. The contract also includes integration of the associated ground control system and the execution of launch and early operations (LEOPs).

“We are honored to have been chosen for this program. Our ongoing collaboration with the SDA across multiple Tranche iterations has been immensely rewarding, and we deeply value their continued trust in our capabilities,” commented Marc Bell, Terran Orbital CEO.

York Space Systems previously delivered nine satellites for Tranche 0 of the PWSA. The company is also manufacturing  42 satellites for Tranche 1 of the PWSA; 12 experimental satellites for the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System; and 62 Alpha satellites for T2TL in a $617 million contract. 

“York Space Systems is proud to continue its partnership with the SDA in delivering innovative and satellite solutions,” said Melanie Preisser, executive vice president and general manager of York. “Our team’s proven track record, including the successful development and launch of satellites for SDA’s Tranche 0 and upcoming Tranche 1 layers, positions us to meet the challenging requirements of the T2TL-Gamma program and further advance the DoD’s space capabilities.”

The Tranche 2 Transport Layer will consist of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma space vehicles. In addition to the York Alpha satellites, Northrop Grumman is building 38 Alpha T2TL satellites in a $732 million contract. 

Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are each building 36 satellites for the Tranche 2 Transport Layer – Beta variant. Northrop Grumman received $733 million and Lockheed Martin received $816 million.