The US Defense Innovation Unit, in partnership with Space Systems Command, has selected Northrop Grumman and True Anomaly to deliver reconnaissance satellite prototypes for geostationary Earth orbit (GEO).
The contracts, with undisclosed award amounts, fall under the agency’s Geosynchronous High-Resolution Optical Space-Based Tactical Reconnaissance (GHOST-R) program, supporting the US Space Force’s (USSF) RG-XX program of record.
GHOST-R leverages low-cost, maneuverable, and commercial spacecraft and electro-optical payloads that can overcome the physical limitations of ground-based infrastructure in protecting US space assets. These platforms provide space-to-space tracking, identification, and assessment of potential threats at close range.
Operational prototypes are expected to be delivered by 2028, and the “successful prototypes will have a direct path to transition into the program of record,” said Col. Bryon McClain, acting Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Space Combat Power.
They are expected to perform fully government-owned and operated missions for the USSF by 2029.
Northrop Grumman Prototype
Under the contract, Northrop is tasked with supplying a satellite under an accelerated timeline.
The prototype will be built using the company’s ESPASat-L spacecraft that is the size of a small suitcase and integrates with Northrop’s ESPAStar payload rideshare platform.
It will also incorporate optical payloads from California company TRL 11.
Northrop will carry out the assembly, integration, and testing at the company’s Satellite Manufacturing Facilities in Dulles, Virginia, and Gilbert, Arizona.
True Anomaly Systems
The Colorado-headquartered company will deliver its Jackal highly maneuverable autonomous orbital vehicle and its Mosaic multi-vehicle, multi-domain, command-and-control system for mission planning, analysis, and training for the GHOST-R initiative.
The Jackal is designed to survey multiple satellites, investigate anomalies in friendly assets, and maintain custody of high-value targets across multi-year missions.
It features radiation-tolerant components for the GEO environment, along with increased payload capacity, secure communications, improved system redundancy, and alternative positioning, navigation, and timing solutions.