Northrop Grumman announced yesterday that it has received a $4.1 million contract from the Air Force Research Lab to develop a robust, radiation-hardened wireless spacecraft data bus. “The innovative program will redefine spacecraft of the future,” said John Brock, Northrop’s director of mission technology futures. He added, “Wireless technology will allow us to build faster, lower cost, and lighter weight spacecraft by reducing the extensive touch labor, risks, and complexities associated with integrating heavy, copper wire harnesses.” The data bus serves as the electrical interface between a satellite’s equipment and payloads. Under this 21-month phase I contract, Northrop will design the wireless bus to enhance AFRL’s space plug-and-play avionics architecture. This work will conclude with the establishment of a wireless standard, such as Bluetooth, the company said.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.