Redwire Corporation, a renowned player in the space infrastructure sector, has joined forces with Rocket Lab USA to deliver cutting-edge antenna and RF hardware solutions for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Transport Layer Tranche 2 Beta variant satellites. These spacecraft will form part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a constellation aimed at facilitating secure, anti-jam communications for military personnel in various operational environments.
The alliance between Redwire and Rocket Lab highlights the shared commitment to advancing the SDA’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer program. Redwire’s President of Space Systems, Adam Biskner, expressed pride in the partnership and emphasized their dedication to reinforcing manufacturing capacity, assembly, integration, and testing in support of multiple antenna and RF production lines.
Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab’s Vice President of Space Systems, expressed anticipation in working alongside Redwire and leveraging their unrivaled expertise in RF antenna development for transport layer endeavors. Rocket Lab’s strategic maneuvering in securing experienced teams, advanced technology, manufacturing facilities, and a robust spacecraft supply chain positions the company as a formidable satellite prime.
To fulfill the Tranche 2 project requirements, Redwire will establish a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 26,000 square feet in Colorado. This expanded facility will encompass manufacturing, integration, and testing floor space, including an advanced testing chamber for evaluating RF payload performance. Such capabilities will be instrumental in the design, production, and testing of the Tranche 2 satellite hardware.
The SDA’s PWSA Transport Layer initiative will feature a constellation of 300 to over 500 low-Earth orbit satellites operating at altitudes ranging from 750 to 1200 km. The successful implementation of this constellation will grant American warfighters constant, advanced communications coverage worldwide. The first Beta variant Tranche 2 satellite is scheduled for launch in September 2026.
This contract with Rocket Lab marks another milestone in Redwire’s engagement with the SDA’s Transport Layer project. This ongoing collaboration began with the delivery of Link 16 antennas for Tranche 0 in 2020 and continued with the provision of RF hardware and antennas for Tranche 1 satellites. Redwire has already supplied 48 Link-16 antennas for Tranche-1.
About Redwire
Redwire Corporation is a prominent global space infrastructure and innovation company spearheading civil, commercial, and national security programs. By offering a comprehensive range of avionics, sensors, power solutions, radio frequency systems, and more, Redwire combines extensive flight heritage with an agile and innovative culture. With approximately 700 employees spread across 14 facilities in the United States and Europe, Redwire is committed to driving progress in space exploration, discovery, and scientific advancements while simultaneously improving life on Earth.
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Redwire’s collaboration with Rocket Lab to enhance satellite communication for the military is a significant development in the space infrastructure sector. This partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge antenna and RF hardware solutions for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Transport Layer Tranche 2 Beta variant satellites. These satellites are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), which seeks to provide secure and anti-jam communications for military personnel in different operational environments.
One key trend in the market is the increasing demand for improved and secure satellite communication capabilities for military applications. As technology advances, there is a growing need for reliable and resilient communication systems to support military operations globally. Redwire and Rocket Lab’s collaboration aligns with this trend by focusing on developing advanced RF antenna technology for the Tranche 2 satellites to enhance communication capabilities for military personnel.
Forecast wise, the successful implementation of the PWSA Transport Layer constellation, consisting of 300 to over 500 low-Earth orbit satellites, is expected to provide American warfighters with constant and advanced communications coverage worldwide. This constellation, operating at altitudes ranging from 750 to 1200 km, will greatly improve communication capabilities for military personnel in various operational environments.
However, there are also key challenges and controversies associated with the subject. One challenge is the increasing competition in the space industry. With more players entering the market, there is a need for companies like Redwire and Rocket Lab to differentiate themselves and continue to deliver innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of military customers. Additionally, the deployment of satellite constellations raises concerns about space debris and the potential impact on existing space assets.
Advantages of the collaboration between Redwire and Rocket Lab include their combined expertise in RF antenna development and satellite technology, which positions them as strong partners for the SDA’s Tranche 2 Transport Layer program. Redwire’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art facility and testing chamber will enhance their capabilities in designing, manufacturing, and testing satellite hardware.
On the other hand, a potential disadvantage could be the timeline for the launch of the first Beta variant Tranche 2 satellite, which is scheduled for September 2026. Delays or technical challenges in the development and deployment of the satellites could impact the overall timeline of the program.
Overall, Redwire and Rocket Lab’s collaboration signifies the industry’s commitment to advancing satellite communication capabilities for military applications. This partnership, with its focus on cutting-edge antenna and RF hardware solutions, aims to address the pressing need for secure and advanced communications for military personnel.
For more information, visit the official website of Redwire Corporation at redwirespace.com.
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