Third LDPE Launch
Northrop Grumman’s Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-3A spacecraft launched on 16 January in support of the USSF-67 mission. This spacecraft helps advance rapid access to space for the US Space Force (USSF) and marks the third successful launch in the LDPE programme.
LDPE-3A was built using Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar, providing rapid access to space by maximising available volume inside a launch vehicle. This bus carries hardware for five independent missions, eliminating the need for each mission to await a future launch opportunity. “From conception and development of next-generation space technology, like ESPAStar, to on-orbit command and control, we are prepared to support the full lifecycle of our customer’s missions throughout the ever-evolving threat environment,” commented Troy Brashear, VP National Security Systems at Northrop Grumman.
The company also designed, developed and implemented the C2 and mission execution software system for the LDPE programme. The software system uses a common baseline across multiple programmes, putting more capability in the hands of operators at a lower cost. ESPAStar employs a customised version of a standard ESPA ring, providing added propulsion, power and avionic subsystems. A SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch vehicle will deliver LDPE-3A to near-geosynchronous Earth orbit for a one-year mission life.
LDPE-1 launched aboard the STP-3 mission in December 2021, and LDPE-2 aboard the USSF-44 mission in November 2022. Northrop Grumman will continue to deliver future ESPAStar spacecraft, mission systems engineering, ground software systems and hardware platforms for critical USSF missions.
