CesiumAstro, an industry leader in active phased array communications technology for space and airborne systems, has announced that Rocket Lab selected the company to provide its Vireo active electronically scanned array (AESA) radio frequency (RF) communications payload. This payload is to be integrated into 18 space vehicles (SVs) supporting the Space Development Agency’s (SDA’s) Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL). Expected to be launched in mid-2027, the payload will be the first multi-beam-capable Ka-band communications system operating in SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). It is a layered low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed to deliver secure, low-latency communications and missile tracking capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.
CesiumAstro’s Vireo payload is the culmination of more than seven years of the company’s AESA research, development, testing, and manufacturing. A receive antenna, transmit antenna, and SpaceVPX form-factor reconfigurable processor enable powerful single- and multi-beam operation.
“Our Vireo system’s multi-beam capability doesn’t just meet the warfighter's needs 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.”
Rocket Lab’s 18 satellites are part of the T2TL Beta Program, which features multiple SV and mission configuration variants fielded to provide global communications access and deliver persistent regional encrypted connectivity supporting warfighter missions. When fully operational, the Transport Layer constellation will include hundreds of SVs operating in low-Earth orbit, including 90 total Beta Program configurations.
“We’re pleased to be flying the CesiumAstro Vireo communications payload,” said 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.”
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