Department of War invests $11.4 million to expand production of W-band and modernized space traveling-wave tube amplifiers

The Department of War has approved an Aug. 27, 2026 investment of $11.4 million in Defense Production Act Title III funds for Stellant Systems to expand manufacturing and enhance capabilities for space-based Traveling-Wave Tube Amplifier production in Torrance, California. The effort aligns with the Administration’s objective to bolster key space industrial base capabilities outlined in the Dec. 18, 2025 Executive Order 14369 – Ensuring American Space Superiority.

“This manufacturing capability is essential to support existing and future DoW and commercial needs for TWTAs,” said the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi. “This will greatly reduce schedule, cost, and performance risks to U.S. government satellite programs.”

The funding will support pilot production and qualification of a space-based TWTA for the 71-76 gigahertz downlink band and improve manufacturability of a modernized Dual Digital Electronic Power Conditioner. TWTAs are described as vital components in most satellite-based communication systems for commercial, military, and national security satellites; at many frequency and power combinations, they are the only available means for reliable, satellite-based radio frequency amplification.

The award is one of seven DPA Title III investments totaling $121.1 million made by the Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Executions directorate since the start of Fiscal Year 2026, with recipient cost shares totaling $15.0 million in FY 2026. More information on the directorate is available at https://www.businessdefense.gov/ibr/wire.html.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy works with domestic and international partners to build and sustain a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base. The office also uses a Defense Industrial Base Consortium Other Transaction Agreement to solicit ideas for research or prototype solutions focused on supply chain resiliency. Details on the DIBC OTA are available at https://www.dibconsortium.org.