Northrop Grumman Corporation, an aerospace and defence technology company, has reached a juncture in developing the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM).
The company recently concluded thermal vacuum tests, marking progress in its mission to create a two-satellite constellation to facilitate broadband communications in the Northern polar region for the US Space Force and Space Norway. Each satellite within the constellation boasts a Ka-band payload for ViaSat and an X-Band payload for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
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Furthermore, the Enhanced Polar System Recapitalisation payloads for the US Space Force are also integrated into these advanced satellites. The completion of these tests sets the stage for the ASBM-1’s vibration testing, to be soon followed by ASBM-2.
Northrop Grumman’s commitment to the ASBM project extends beyond satellite construction; they also provide the Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) ground system, a component in achieving broadband connectivity in the Arctic region.
The CAPS is assisting with compatibility testing for payload and space vehicle segments and is also establishing interfaces with the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) in Norway. With CAPS having passed formal acceptance and turnover, the ground system stands prepared for system activation.
Completing Thermal Vacuum tests for the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission represents a milestone in this endeavour, bringing the project closer to realisation.
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By GlobalDataNorthrop Grumman secured a contract modification valued at $235m from the US Department of Defense (DoD) on October 5 2023, reinforcing Northrop Grumman’s role as the original equipment manufacturer for Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) polar-orbiting satellites. This contract ensures the DoD’s access to polar coverage to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missile threats travelling via the polar region, a route that poses challenges for monitoring from space.
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This achievement in the development of ASBM is poised to pave the way for further tests and advancements. The upcoming vibration testing of ASBM-1, to be followed by ASBM-2, underlines the commitment to ensure the reliability and readiness of these satellites for their role in the Arctic region.
Beyond satellite construction, Northrop Grumman is contributing a component of the Control and Planning Segment ground system. CAPS supports compatibility testing with the payload and space vehicle segments and establishing interfaces with the Satellite Operations Center in Norway. With CAPS having completed formal acceptance and turnover, it is now poised for system activation, further strengthening the ASBM project’s progress.
This development represents a stride forward in enhancing the region’s communications infrastructure for national defence and civilian applications.
