DARPA has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth $5.8 million for the first phase of satellite integration on the Blackjack program.
Lockheed Martin will define and manage interfaces between the Blackjack bus, payload and Pit Boss – its autonomous, space-based command and data processor. Additional scope includes testbed validation of internal and external vehicle interfaces. Program work will primarily be performed in Sunnyvale, California.
“Lockheed Martin has built and integrated a variety of payload types and sizes for every type of mission and we bring all of that experience to the Blackjack program,” said Sarah Reeves, vice president of Missile Defense Programs at Lockheed Martin. “This is an exciting new approach to plug-n-play design for LEO and we are up for the challenge.”
DARPA’s Blackjack program aims to develop and demonstrate the critical elements for a global high-speed network in low earth orbit (LEO) that provides the US Department of Defense with highly connected, autonomous, resilient, and persistent coverage employing multiple payload types and missions.
Future phases of Blackjack are expected to include build, test, and launch of a demonstration constellation in 2021-2022.
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.
Blackjack DARPA Lockheed Martin
Post written by: Matt Brown
RELATED ARTICLES
October 8, 2024
Homeland - UK, US and Canada to collaborate on cybersecurity and AI research
The Ministry of Defence, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Canadian Department of National Defence will
September 23, 2024
Air - Lockheed Martin and Tata announce Indian Super Hercules opportunities
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have entered into a teaming agreement to expand upon the companies’ business relationship
