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18 Rocket Lab Satellites for SDA to Carry Standard Tactical SATCOM Radios, As Agency Awaits Funding for Advanced Tactical Data Links

18 Rocket Lab Satellites for SDA to Carry Standard Tactical SATCOM Radios, As Agency Awaits Funding for Advanced Tactical Data Links
Pictured are soldiers setting up scalable satellite nodes at Andersen AFB, Guam, on July 13, 2021 (U.S. Army Photo)

The 18 Rocket Lab USA [RKLB] satellites for the U.S. Space Force Space Development Agency's Tranche 2, Transport Layer (T2TL)-Beta are to have standard tactical satellite communications (SATCOM) links, as SDA looks to a future award for T2TL-Gamma satellites with advanced tactical data links. "The 18 space vehicles being purchased from Rocket Lab as part of T2TL-Beta will carry standard tactical SATCOM radios to enhance Tranche 2’s global coverage," SDA said in a Jan. 9 email. "Separately, SDA plans to…

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