Northrop Grumman Completes Essential Tests for Arctic Region Satellite Communications Program

DULLES, Va., November 7. Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed Thermal Vacuum tests on the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), a two-satellite constellation designed to deliver broadband communications to the Northern polar region for the U.S. Space Force and Space Norway. Each Northrop Grumman-built satellite carries a Ka-band payload for Viasat and X-Band payload for Norwegian Ministry of Defense, as well as the Enhanced Polar System Recapitalization payloads for the US Space Force. ASBM-1 has completed vibration testing with ASBM-2 to follow.

Northrop Grumman is also providing the Control and Planning Segment (CAPS) ground system for this critical capability. CAPS is supporting compatibility testing with the payload and space vehicle segments and interfacing with the Satellite Operations Center (SOC) in Norway. CAPS has completed formal acceptance and turnover and is ready for system activation.