Peraton to develop prototype satellite ground terminal for US Army

Peraton has secured a 20-month contract to develop a prototype satellite ground terminal for the US Army.

The other transaction authority (OTA) contract was awarded by the US Air Force Space and Missile Center Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC).

The army aims to make use of the tactical potential of space systems for integration into the armed forces’ tactical decision-making process.

In a statement, Peraton said: “This prototype will demonstrate flexibility to advance technology and capability insertion, while concurrently reducing programne development cycles and related costs.”

Work under the contract will be primarily performed in Herndon, Virginia.

Peraton National Security Space vice-president Stan Kekauoha said: “This award builds on our extensive experience delivering solutions for highly differentiated space, intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and secure communications to the military services and intelligence community.

“Through demonstrated performance and collaboration, Peraton is a trusted partner on missions critical to our nation’s security priorities.”

Peraton will serve as the developer, systems engineer and integrator for the satellite ground terminal prototype system.

The transportable system is meant for future low-Earth orbiting satellites and will be able to operate under challenging orbital conditions.

The SpEC Consortium focuses on developing next-generation space-related technologies. It comprises industry, academic institutions and start-ups.

Established in 2017, the consortium manages the development of prototypes of space technologies.

The SpEC OTA is intended to enable faster prototype contract awards to companies and seeks to encourage small businesses and non-traditional defence contractors.