DARPA Awards Contract for Development of Advanced PNT Satellite Payload

Northrop Grumman will develop a software-defined Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solution that will offer an agile new signal from low Earth orbit that is not dependent on existing satellite navigation systems By DA Staff / 27 Sep 2021

Position Navigation and Timing PNT

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 8 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Northrop Grummans LEO Satellite Payload for DARPA
Follow DA

Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract for Phase II development of an advanced, software-defined Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) payload from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Blackjack program. 

With options to build units for space flight, the Phase II development effort is valued at $13.3 million if all options are exercised through emulation, critical design and build.

The PNT payload work is led by Northrop Grumman’s Future PNT Systems Operating Unit in Woodland Hills. The team supports the DARPA Tactical Technology Office’s goal of achieving capable, resilient and affordable national security space capabilities from Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

“Northrop Grumman’s software-defined PNT technology will offer military users an agile new signal from LEO that is not dependent on existing satellite navigation systems,” said Dr. Nicholas Paraskevopoulos, chief technology officer and sector vice president, emerging capabilities development, Northrop Grumman. 

“Warfighters depend on assured PNT for traditional missions like force projection and joint operations, but also for emerging autonomous and distributed missions.”

The PNT payload features Northrop Grumman’s Software Enabled Reconfigurable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Embedded Architecture for Navigation and Timing (SERGEANT) capability. 

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

MKS Instruments Unveils Ophir® SupIR 10-135mm f/1.8 Continuous Zoom MWIR Lens

MKS Instruments has introduced a motorized MWIR lens with 14x zoom, enabling high-resolution thermal imaging and long-range target detection in defense and security applications

Apr 22, 2025
GuideNav Highlights the Role of IMUs for Loitering Systems

GuideNav outlines how inertial measurement units support navigation and targeting in loitering munitions, with attention to key performance metrics and mission-specific requirements

Apr 22, 2025
Software Solutions for Drones in Defense & Security

Defense Advancement highlights Tilak's innovative software solutions designed for the defense and security sectors, with a focus on drone and robotics applications

Apr 22, 2025
Advancing Maritime Autonomy with Scalable Uncrewed Integration

Textron Systems aims to lead the future of maritime autonomy with advanced uncrewed integration, looking into their TSUNAMI™ family of autonomous maritime surface vessels

Apr 22, 2025
Quadratix: Unified Software Ecosystem from General Atomics

Quadratix, a General Atomics vertically integrated software enterprise, aims to deliver agile, interoperable solutions that bridge air, land, sea, cyber, and space operations

Apr 17, 2025
Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025

Featured Content

Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations

The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms

Apr 17, 2025
Textron Systems to Support Software & Payload Development for Navy’s MCM USV

Textron Systems is set to support the software development and payload integration for the Navy’s Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), focusing on future mission capabilities and advanced system integration

Apr 14, 2025
Triad RF Systems Supplies Bi-Directional Amplifiers to Boost Naval Communications

Taiwan has received dual-channel bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs) from Triad RF Systems, strengthening real-time data transmission and ISR functionality in unmanned naval platforms

Apr 11, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.