Irvine-based vision intelligence company TRL11 has been selected by Northrop Grumman Corp. to provide the primary optical systems for a new prototype U.S. military satellite. TRL11, founded in 2022 and led by Chief Executive Nicol Verheem, develops advanced cameras and optical technology that enable spacecraft to observe, record, and analyze their surroundings in space. The company's technology is currently deployed in commercial and government missions spanning from low-Earth orbit to lunar and Martian expeditions.
Northrop Grumman, based in Northern Virginia, received the contract from the U.S. military’s Defense Innovation Unit and Space Force to develop the prototype satellite, known as GHOST-R. For this project, TRL11 will deliver the “optical payload,” which functions as the satellite's vision system. This includes supplying the necessary cameras, computing power, and machine-vision capabilities designed to monitor and analyze other objects in space.
The GHOST-R satellite is intended to demonstrate a new approach to close-range reconnaissance of spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit, an altitude where satellites match the Earth’s rotation. Ryan Tintner, a Grumman vice president, announced the project on September 18, noting that space is becoming increasingly complex. Tintner stated that joint forces rely on "clear, timely insight into what’s happening on orbit." He added that by rapidly deploying this prototype, the initiative aims to strengthen the nation's ability to detect, understand, and anticipate activity in geosynchronous orbit, thereby protecting critical space assets.
The development of the GHOST-R prototype is proceeding on an accelerated 24-month timeline. Rod Clark, TRL11’s Marketing Director, described the advanced features of the optical payload to the Business Journal on September 24. These features include full-motion video cameras, a specialized machine vision processor, and substantial computer and storage capacity.
Clark outlined the reasons for Northrop Grumman's selection of TRL11’s Visual Intelligence Platform. He cited TRL11’s expertise in integrating and deploying monolithic telescopes for operations in space, which are critical for precision observation. A second factor was the comprehensive nature of TRL11's platform, which offers a complete solution rather than just individual camera components. Finally, Clark highlighted TRL11’s "proven flight heritage and success in building camera systems for spacecraft," referencing their existing commercial and government contracts for optical payloads in various missions across the solar system.
Northrop Grumman is constructing the GHOST-R satellite to track other objects in geosynchronous orbit. These satellites are designed to provide detailed observations that will assist operators in identifying space objects, understanding their characteristics, and assessing any potential damage. The broader objective for the Space Force, as stated by Northrop Grumman, is to field a more extensive layer of lower-cost commercial satellites. This strategy aims to deliver the dynamic space operations capability required by U.S. Space Command to counter potential threats in orbit.