Network in the Sky to be Built by Terran Orbital for Rivada Space
Rivada Space Networks has engaged Terran Orbital's wholly owned subsidiary Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems to manufacture 300 LEO satellites for Rivada's innovative "network in the sky".
"This demonstrates that we have the right technology in place to sustainably move RSN from concept to reality."
Clemens Kaiser, Rivada Space Networks Chief Program Officer.
RSN's 288 satellite space-based data network will provide fiber-like low latency and gigabit per second data delivery which is ultra-secure and extremely resilient, according to a company news release.
Under the $2.4 billion contract, Terran Orbital will design, build, and deploy 288 low-earth orbit satellites for Rivada Space Networks. As part of the contract, the company will also develop 12 “spare” satellites to produce a total of 300 spacecraft. Through its subsidiary Tyvak, Terran Orbital will act as the prime contractor to design and manufacture the approximately 1,100 pound satellites, integrate the communication payload, and perform the final satellite assembly, integration, and test. We will also be responsible for developing portions of the ground segment. Mission operations for the on-orbit satellites will be conducted from a state-of-the-art satellite operations control center. Rivada expects to begin deploying its constellation as early as 2025, subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, with the anticipated launch of four initial satellites.
Network in the Sky Project is on a Fast Track to Launch
Since assuming control of the Network in the Sky project in early 2022, RSN has been on a fast-track mission to complete the overall design of the system architecture and associated satellite deployment framework. With extensive technical studies now completed, RSN has determined that their procurement plan will successfully fulfill the requirements associated with the company's high priority ITU Ka-band filings.
"The timeline was extremely tight, and I wholeheartedly congratulate our team and our industry partners," said Clemens Kaiser, Rivada Space Networks Chief Program Officer. "This demonstrates that we have the right technology in place to sustainably move RSN from concept to reality and that our chosen satellite manufacturer has the required combination of experience, agility and innovation to deliver these cutting-edge global satellite constellations. We are really looking forward to moving to this next phase of our program to manufacture and deploy our LEO constellations."
“Our partnership will show why Terran Orbital continues to be a satellite manufacturer of choice for aerospace and defense companies worldwide," said Marc Bell, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Terran Orbital. "We are ecstatic to work alongside Rivada and look forward to building out their LEO constellation.”
(Source: Terran Orbital and Rivada Space news releases. Image provided)