SUMMARY
- U.S. military sets sights on Low Earth orbit satellite constellations, inspired by commercial successes.
- The “Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture” aims to be a game-changer, promising a space-borne internet.
- Security concerns drive Pentagon's space ambitions, with PWSA's resilience as a notable feature.
While commercial companies have been captivated by the idea of Low Earth orbit satellite constellations, the U.S. military is now eager to hop aboard this cosmic bandwagon.
This newfound enthusiasm is driven by the success stories of brands like Starlink and OneWeb. The goal? To create a revolutionary satellite network like none other in the military's repertoire. Lockheed Martin is already shining under the umbrella of the U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency (SDA). The SDA is prepping for its next venture – the “Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture” or PWSA. Think of it as the internet in outer space, enabling seamless connection between any two points on Earth, as described by Chris Winslett, the guiding hand behind Lockheed’s satellite-building enterprise.
A primary driving force behind the Pentagon's space ambitions is, quite simply, security. Commercial networks might be available, but they come with the caveat of potential vulnerabilities. Winslett elaborates, emphasizing that depending on another's network can be dicey, especially when critical traffic might get tangled with the host's priorities.
The blueprint for PWSA is progressive. It's designed in "tranches," with each phase heralding a newer, more advanced generation of satellites. These tranches also feature two layers: Transport for communication and Tracking for advanced location and missile detection capabilities. Currently, Tranche 0 is underway, showcasing 28 demonstration satellites, crafted by the masterminds at York, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and L3Harris.
Jennifer Elzea, a spokesperson for the agency, underscores the SDA’s commitment to capitalizing on recent space industry advancements. With more than $5 billion already allocated for future satellites, the overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive military network, with satellites being a crucial component. The resilience of PWSA is a highlight. Instead of a few high-priced satellites, the strategy is to have hundreds in orbit. This ensures that even if one is compromised, the network remains robust and repairs are economical.
Although it’s early days for PWSA, optimism runs high. Mike Eppolito, the man behind the Tranche 0 program, speaks with confidence about the project's trajectory. He believes that SDA's commitment will bolster industry trust, paving the way for the ideal commoditized satellite they envision.
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