L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has been chosen to provide a cryptographic component intended to secure space-based satellite communication hubs under the U.S. Air Force’s Protected Tactical Satcom SHIELD program.
The company said Thursday it will deliver an end cryptographic unit fitted with an open system architecture and designed to manage protected tactical waveform functions across 13 satcom payload hubs.
According to L3Harris, the hubs will operate with as many as 1.8K tactical user terminals built to support future PTS payloads as well as U.S. missions with coalition and international partners.
The ECU’s architecture works to facilitate the integration of multiple payloads and its HMV space cryptographic processor component allows personnel to conduct on-orbit reporgramming in a low-power setup.
Don Hairston, president of L3Harris’ C5 systems business, said the program will add to the company’s experience in delivering military satcom cryptographic technology and implementing waveforms for key customer missions.
L3Harris previously provided Type 1 space hardware to support the Air Force’s Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Mobile User Objective System and Space-Based Infrared System satcom initiatives.
