Maxar’s SSL selected to define next-generation secure satellite communications for the U.S. Air Force

SSL, a Maxar Technologies company based in Palo Alto, CA announced on August 16 that it was selected to help define next generation protected communications for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. SSL will develop, test and analyze antenna subsystem prototypes through a contract with the Space Enterprise Consortium, managed by Advanced Technology International. The award highlights SSL’s ability to contribute to U.S. leadership in space with novel concepts for the U.S. Department of Defense’s next-generation spacecraft systems.

Leveraging its knowledge of trends in satellite communications and next-generation advances both in space and on the ground, SSL will create antenna subsystem prototypes that define and demonstrate key technologies for a resilient, cost-effective, and high performance protected tactical satellite communications capability. The study builds on previous SSL studies to develop and demonstrate next-generation military satellite communications architectures for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

“The combination of SSL’s agile mindset and innovative new space technologies with our team’s experience in multiple generations of MILSATCOM architectures uniquely positions us to accelerate the DoD’s development and integration of cost-effective and highly advanced solutions that will support the defense of our nation,” said Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems. “There are more than 85 SSL-built communications satellites currently in-orbit, and we are proud to leverage that experience to further expand and support U.S. Air Force capabilities.”

Source: SSL