US sets 24-month deadline for new spy satellite prototype for space warfare

Northrop Grumman won a US Space Force contract to develop a geosynchronous reconnaissance satellite prototype under the GHOST-R program. The suitcase-sized ESPASat-L platform will carry a TRL-11 optical payload and must be ready for launch within 24 months.

• Prototype development, integration and testing deadline is 24 months
• ESPASat-L platform is suitcase-sized, optics from TRL-11
• Assembly and testing will take place in Dulles, Virginia and Gilbert, Arizona
• Program is part of DIU's Kill Web portfolio