NASA plans to launch the first batch of construction for the "Next Generation Space Architecture" in 2022

On August 27, 2021, Defense News reported that NASA plans to award the first batch of construction contracts for the "Next Generation Space Architecture" to three contractors in January 2022. The first batch of "Next Generation Space Architecture" will include 144 transport layer satellites, as well as operational management and ground support components, with the initial operational capability to support regional conflicts around the clock. 144 satellites will be deployed on 6 orbital planes at an altitude of 1000 kilometers, with plans to launch in fiscal year 2024, including 126 standard satellites and 18 improved satellites. Among them, the standard satellite is equipped with one Ka band repeater, four laser communication payloads, one Link-16 payload, and one computational storage module for combat management, command, control, and communication; The improved satellite replaces two laser communication payloads and one Link-16 payload with other payloads based on the standard satellite to provide additional capabilities. The Director of the Space Development Agency, Derek Turrell, stated that a request for proposals for a batch of satellites will be released to the industry on August 30th.

Source: Interstellar Intelligence Hub