Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission Prepares for Launch

Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 02 July 2024 22:02

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 01, 2024

Space Systems Command's (SSC) two Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization (EPS-R) payloads, integrated with Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) vehicles, have arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The satellites are set for final integration with the launch vehicle, targeting a dual launch as early as July. The payloads and host vehicles received shipment

Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission Prepares for Launch
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 01, 2024

Space Systems Command's (SSC) two Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization (EPS-R) payloads, integrated with Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) vehicles, have arrived at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The satellites are set for final integration with the launch vehicle, targeting a dual launch as early as July.

The payloads and host vehicles received shipment approval after successfully completing integration and testing. Technicians electronically and mechanically mated the payloads to the host vehicles, followed by rigorous testing to ensure compatibility and readiness for the harsh polar orbit environment.

Space Norway's ASBM hosts the United States Space Force's (USSF) EPS-R payloads, Norwegian military X-band payloads, and ViaSat Ka-band payloads. Northrop Grumman fabricated the payloads, which are integrated onto two commercial GEOSTAR-3 satellites. This partnership between Space Norway and the USSF marks the first time an operational Department of Defense (DoD) payload will be hosted on an international space vehicle.

"There is a critical need for polar satellite communications, and that need has grown exponentially in the last few decades. The partnership with Space Norway for this mission is the first step at securing the Arctic region and paving the way for future international partnerships here at SSC and across the Space Force," explained USAF Maj Michael Walsh, Space System Command's EPS-R Branch Chief.

The unique Arctic environment and collaboration with Norway make this partnership a pathfinder for future USSF programs. EPS-R will also address two National Security Strategy priorities: ensuring security in the polar region and building international cooperation with allies. "For decades, there has been an unmet need for broadband communications in the Arctic, and we are now establishing a strategically important capacity for everyone operating there," said Space Norway's ASBM program director, Kjell-Ove Orderud Skare.

"Our focus in this mission is the value it creates for civil users such as ships and aircraft, and governmental users such as rescue services and the Coast Guard, as well as national and allied forces. We are all looking forward to providing the first dedicated broadband services to users in the real Arctic," added Skare.

On April 19, Northrop Grumman's EPS-R Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) received Operational Acceptance. CAPS is the follow-on ground system for EPS and will control and plan both EPS and EPS-R satellites. This milestone meets a key acquisition tenet of delivering ground systems before space systems.

The partnership between the USSF and Space Norway is a significant milestone for the Department of Defense, providing enduring strategic advantages against adversaries. The use of commercial development for space vehicles and launch services will result in this vital capability being delivered faster and cheaper than traditional DoD acquisition processes.