The Space Development Agency (ADE) has taken a momentous step toward strengthening the strategic capabilities of the United States in space by announcing an expansion to its Proliferated Combat Space Architecture (AECP) with the launch of 72 new use satellites. exclusively military.
The agency assures its commitment to the development of an innovative satellite constellation that will revolutionize the dynamics of combat in space. With an investment of 15,000 million dollars (almost 14,000 million euros) assigned to this project, the Space Force Agency embarks on the construction and operation of an advanced version of the “Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) – Beta.
EFCA is focused on creating a “threat-driven constellation of small satellites” designed to deliver critical services to US fighters deployed in various land areas. This network of satellites allows the efficient transmission of essential services, including real-time data communications through tactical links, precise missile tracking, space-based battle management… among other issues.
The EFCA design is structured around a series of iterative generations of satellites known as “tranches”. The recently completed Tranche 0, launched in April after some delays due to concerns about satellite proliferation, served as a proof of concept.
La Tranche 1, scheduled for launch in 2024, aims to introduce initial combat capabilities, including regional persistent data links, among other enhancements. For its part, Tranche 2, scheduled for 2026, marks a turning point by establishing “global persistence.
The development of the EFCA falls into the hands of Northrop Grumman Space Systems and Lockheed Martin, who take responsibility for realizing the vision of the ADE. These two industry leading companies will be in charge of designing, building and operating two batches of 36 T2TL satellites each.
EFCA’s expansion reflects the growing recognition of the importance of space assets in modern combat. However, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raised concerns about potential electromagnetic interference with aviation operations before finally granting clearance for the Tranche 0 units to launch.
With ADE entering this bold phase of EFCA, the landscape of space combat is in for a profound change. EFCA’s proposed constellation of satellites promises to usher in an era of unprecedented connectivity for American fighters.