The ASBM satellites will carry multiple hosted payloads including an X-band payload for the Norwegian Ministry of Defense and a Ka-band payload for Inmarsat. Northrop Grumman announced last year that it will also provide two Extremely High Frequency eXtended Data Rate (EHF XDR) payloads for the Enhanced Polar System-Recapitalization (EPS-R) to the US Air Force for integration on the spacecraft.
The systems are designed to improve secure and continuous communications in the north polar region. Additionally, Northrop Grumman was selected to provide critical ground infrastructure for EPS-R.
Frank DeMauro, sector vice president and general manager, space systems, Northrop Grumman, welcomed the contract signing, saying, "This contract award marks our first mission with Space Norway and we appreciate the confidence they have in our capabilities to deliver high quality communication satellites."
ASBM’s satellite system will be designed, built and tested at Northrop Grumman’s state-of-the-art satellite manufacturing facility in Dulles. The satellites will be based on the company’s GEOStar platform, which has been integrated on more than 40 spacecraft. ASBM is scheduled for a dual launch in late 2022.
"By using our flight proven GeoStar platform coupled with our end-to-end payload integration capabilities, we are eager to demonstrate our ability to provide innovative solutions that regularly exceed our customer’s mission needs," DeMauro added.
Space Norway was established in 2014 as a limited liability, government owned company.
Northrop Grumman is a global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernisation to customers worldwide.
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