Building its own satellite network cluster is a priority for the U.S. Armed Forces to improve security. Investments in this area have been inspired by the successful development of commercial networks such as Starlink and OneWeb. One of the key companies involved in the Space Development Agency (SDA) program is Lockheed Martin. They are preparing to launch the second mission of their satellite cluster called Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
PWSA is a network, similar to the internet in space, that allows you to connect to anywhere on Earth. The main goal of such a network is to provide a high degree of security that is unattainable for commercial networks. PWSA is being developed in phases, each of which represents a new generation of satellites with improved characteristics.
The first phase, known as Tranche 0, includes 28 satellites built by York, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX and L3Harris. The cost per transportation satellite in this phase is about $15 million. SDA has already begun awarding contracts to produce satellites for the next phases with a total contract value of more than $5 billion.
PWSA will also play an important role in a Pentagon project called Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The goal of this project is to create a unified network across all military lines of defense. Space Force participation in this project will be a significant contribution.
Mike Eppolito, Tranche 0 Program Director, expressed confidence in the success of the PWSA project and its long-term prospects. He emphasized the importance of a secure and modern satellite network to ensure the safety and effectiveness of U.S. Armed Forces operations.
In conclusion, developing its own satellite network cluster is a priority for the U.S. Armed Forces. The PWSA is a network that provides high security and connectivity to anywhere on Earth. Lockheed Martin’s participation in this project is key. PWSA will be an important contribution to the JADC2 project and will provide a unified network across all military lines. Mike Eppolito expressed confidence in the success of the PWSA project and its importance to future operations of the U.S. Armed Forces.
