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The Pentagon has tasked the prime with developing a secure network in space to bolster the connectivity of defence assets.
Northrop Grumman and Aeronix have secured a contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD) to build a secure connective networking layer in space, designed to support joint force interoperability.
Specifically, the companies will be responsible for developing a space end crypto unit (ECU) prototype, capable of connecting platforms and weapons in low-Earth orbit (LEO) across common architecture.
This is expected to provide added network security to critical missions for the Space Force.
Northrop Grumman’s prototype is billed as a flexible, high throughput design based on a single chip, reprogrammable solution.
The capability is tipped to provide a connected network solution enabling warfighters to expedite decision-making.
“Our open architecture space mesh networking prototype enables new capabilities in space layer networking to address emerging and evolving customer needs,” Kevin Berkowitz, director, network solutions, Northrop Grumman, said.
“This offering provides data, communications connectivity, and cryptographic processing at mission speed – a critical element of connecting the joint force.”
This builds on Northrop Grumman’s previous collaboration with Aeronix, which involved incorporating high-speed encrypt/decrypt firmware, designed and tested to National Security Agency standards.
Northrop Grumman leveraged a crypto development kit, which demonstrated third-party developers can further contribute to the library of cryptographic algorithms.
This latest contract is set to implement the capability onto the Space ECU prototype for delivery in 2024.
[Related: Northrop Grumman secures F-16 electronic warfare contract ]
