Rendering of a Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellite. Photo: Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital has completed delivery of 42 satellite buses to Lockheed Martin for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 1, Transport Layer. 

Lockheed awarded Terran Orbital the subcontract in 2022 to support its own $700 million contract to provide 42 satellites for the data transport system. Terran Orbital is now owned by Lockheed Martin after it was acquired last year. 

“Our team’s relentless dedication and technical excellence have been on full display throughout this program. With Lockheed Martin and the Space Development Agency, we are helping to develop a secure and resilient space communications architecture that will enhance national security and strengthen allied operations around the world,” commented Terran Orbital CEO and President Peter Krauss. 

Lockheed’s satellites for the SDA will also be equipped with laser communication terminals from Tesat. 

Earlier this month, SDA launched the first batch of satellites for the Tranche 1, Transport Layer of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The first 21 satellites were built by York Space Systems. These satellites are currently going through a checkout phase. 

SDA officials recently said the next Tranche 1 launch in the next month will be Lockheed Martin satellites, and the agency is planning for one month per launch to deploy Tranche 1.