The SDA announced on 21 August that it had awarded Tranche 2 contracts for 72 satellites (36 each) to Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. These satellites will be for its Transport Layer data-relay constellation.
The contractors will build and operate their spacecraft. At the time of contract award the Tranche 2 sats were expected to start launching in September 2026. The Lockheed Martin contract was valued at US$816m, while Northrop received US$733m.