General Dynamics captures more DOD satellite work

General Dynamics C4 Systems will continue to develop technology for securing telemetry, tracking and control of Defense Department satellites under a new $9.2 million contract option.

The National Security Agency-approved encryption technology project is part of a previously awarded contract. The total contract value is now $19.3 million.

The program's design review is complete, and the current work focuses on system development, qualification and certification. It is scheduled to be completed in 2009. Production will take place under another contract.

The contract is through the Air Force's Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding KG-327 program, formerly known as Aerospace Vehicle Equipment - Increment One. The KG-327 program is part of NSA's initiative to modernize information security technologies and devices used on future Defense Department satellite programs.

"These new encryption modules and systems will enable mission commanders to program security to match mission requirements as well as protect satellites from unauthorized manipulation," said John Cole, vice president of information assurance at General Dynamics C4 Systems.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor working with subcontractor SafeNet Mykotronx, of Belkamp, Md.

The Air Force Cryptologic Systems Group, of San Antonio, Tex., is the contracting authority for the program.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, of Scottsdale, Ariz., is a unit of General Dynamics, of Falls Church, Va. The parent company ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.