L3 Harris completes review of satellite communications payloads
Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer Beta will support warfighter communications. (Photo: L3Harris)
L3Harris is involved with four satellite programmes for missile tracking and communications for the US Space Development Agency (SDA).
L3Harris has completed the critical design review of major payloads it is designing, developing and producing in support of Lockheed Martin Space’s Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer Beta contract.
The payloads are 45 mission payload (MPL) radios and 40 CXK-1000 radios. Lockheed Martin is providing the satellites under a contract with the SDA.
The MPL radios will handle and process warfighting data supporting Integrated Broadcast System-Low Earth orbit (IBS-L) and tactical satellite communication users.
Related Articles
US awards $1.5 billion in deals for Transport Layer satellites
Lockheed Martin deploys ten satellites for Low-Earth Orbit comms
US Space Force accelerates acquisition and development of capabilities
The CXK-1000 radios will enable Ka-band communication which enables the transmission of data to and from the satellites.
L3Harris is also involved with Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer and four of the company’s missile-tracking satellites were launched into orbit in 2024 as part of the effort.
The company is also designing and building 16 missile-tracking satellites as part of the Tranche 1 (T1) Tracking Layer which is designed to detect, track and fuse threat data provided to the warfighter in real time. The satellites are expected to launch next year.
In 2024, the SDA awarded L3Harris a US$919 million contract to develop 18 infrared space vehicles for the T2 Tracking Layer programme, which will provide near-global missile warning and tracking coverage.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy]()
Leonardo details Proteus’s path to autonomous anti-submarine missions for the Royal Navy
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems]()
Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
