CesiumAstro provides multi-beam Ka-band payloads for Rocket Lab under Tranche 2 contract

CesiumAstro provides multi-beam Ka-band payloads for Rocket Lab under Tranche 2 contract
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 08, 2024

CesiumAstro, known for its advanced phased array communications technology for space and airborne systems, announced its selection by Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) to supply its Vireo active electronically scanned array (AESA) radio frequency (RF) communications payload for integration into 18 space vehicles (SVs) supporting the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL).

Scheduled for launch in mid-2027, the payload marks the debut of a multi-beam-capable Ka-band communications system within the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), aiming to enhance secure, low-latency communications and missile tracking capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The development of the Vireo payload is the result of over seven years of AESA research, development, testing, and manufacturing by CesiumAstro. The system, equipped with a receive antenna, transmit antenna, and a SpaceVPX form-factor reconfigurable processor, supports both single- and multi-beam operations.

"Our Vireo system's multi-beam capability doesn't just meet the needs of the warfighter but exceeds them. This cutting-edge technology will be a force multiplier for every branch of the Department of Defense," said Shey Sabripour, Founder and CEO of CesiumAstro. "We are honored to be selected by Rocket Lab to deploy CesiumAstro's active phased array technology and help to defend America's national security interests."

The T2TL Beta Program, which includes Rocket Lab's 18 satellites, offers various SV and mission configuration variants to provide global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity in support of warfighter missions. The fully operational Transport Layer constellation will consist of hundreds of SVs in low-Earth orbit, featuring 90 Beta Program configurations.

"We're pleased to be flying the CesiumAstro Vireo communications payload," commented Rocket Lab's Vice President of Space Systems, Brad Clevenger. "This mission will be a significant demonstration of our spacecraft's ability to support diverse applications in low-Earth orbit. The Vireo system's advanced single- and multi-beam capabilities perfectly align with our Pioneer bus, showcasing the technological advancements we're enabling."

The Vireo payload's design is both mass-manufacturable and configurable, facilitating rapid deployment across a range of defense and commercial missions with optimal flexibility.