Northrop Grumman Australia has recently integrated a Dynamic Satellite Simulator and Spacecraft Command and Control (C2) system into its state-of-the-art systems integration, advanced mission visualization and demonstration facility, Parallax Labs. This complex integration demonstrates the high level of technical readiness of Northrop Grumman Australia’s end-to-end control system in preparation for the Defence Joint Project 9102, which will provide the next generation sovereign satellite communication component of the Australian Defence Force’s Satellite Communication (SATCOM) System. Parallax Labs leverage Northrop Grumman’s 60-year space heritage of designing, developing, delivering and operating mission specific space systems.
“Using our trusted C2 system significantly reduces technical, integration and scheduling risk,” said Christine Zeitz, general manager, Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific. “Through knowledge sharing, collaboration and partnering with global and Australian leaders in space communications, Northrop Grumman can deliver a cost effective, scalable and timely response to the Defence SATCOM requirement.”
Incorporating the full control system within Parallax Labs facilitates the integration of MILSATCOM components, especially from local Australian companies. This system will connect with the Defence MILSATCOM Service Planning and Network Management System, to be delivered under JP2008 Phase 5B2, enabling simulated control of both ground and space segments. Parallax Labs brings together a distributed systems and software development, integration and test environment with cutting-edge mission visualisation and demonstration capabilities. This delivers ongoing scalability and extensibility to other functions and pursuits across all domains.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company. With 90,000 employees and an annual revenue in excess of $30 billion, it is one of the world’s largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers. Northrop Grumman is made up of four main business sectors: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. Prior to Northrop Grumman’s reorganization of its divisions on January 1, 2020, the divisions were: Aerospace Systems, Mission Systems, Technology Services, and Innovation Systems.