Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack turns first sod at Satellite Ground Station East, Kapooka

Northrop Grumman Corporation Australia proudly hosted the Hon Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Prime Minister, at Kapooka today to turn the first sod at Satellite Ground Station East (SGS-E), commemorating the new facility construction.

SGS-E will be a key component of the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) future satellite communications (SATCOM) capability, delivered by Northrop Grumman Australia and Viasat under Joint Project (JP) 2008 Phase 5B2. The facility will provide the ADF access to military communications satellites such as the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellation, which allows ADF personnel deployed across the Indo-Pacific region to connect to strategic information communications technology networks in Australia. Additionally, SGS-E will provide access to a range of commercial communications satellite services.

"Northrop Grumman and Viasat will provide the ADF a comprehensive and proven solution for taking full advantage of Australia's investment in the WGS communications system," said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. "Our solution will also provide the ADF the flexibility necessary to accommodate future needs."

The Hansen Yuncken company is leading construction of SGS-E, with AECOM providing design and civil engineering support. The construction will begin later this year and is estimated to provide more than 100 jobs across 22 different trades.