Northrop Grumman is now expected to progress with the detailed design, manufacturing and testing of the payload, while also integrating its payload onto a host space vehicle and conducting its on-orbit demonstration.

“Northrop Grumman’s selection to continue its Protected Tactical SATCOM rapid prototyping reflects our close collaboration with SMC and allows us to further support the Space Force’s critical mission,” Cyrus Dhalla, vice president, communication systems, Northrop Grumman, said.

“Our digital engineering approach has enabled the rapid pace of our analysis and demonstrations, which have validated that the Space Force can deliver significantly enhanced anti-jam performance to the warfighter.”

The preliminary design peer review of its PTS prototype was completed in December 2020.

The interoperability of its prototype has also been demonstrated with the government’s PTS test terminal, along with the advanced, anti-jam performance of its design using the Protected Tactical Waveform – an anti-jam communications waveform that facilitates access to secure, protected communications.