The Space Development Agency selected three companies to build 18 satellites each for its space-based missile warning, tracking, and defense constellation. The $2.5 billion awards were given to Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Sierra Space, and more info can be found here.
The satellites will be part of the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer, which will detect and track advanced missiles from low Earth orbit, located about 1,200 miles above the planet’s surface. SDA was established in 2019 to quickly field a constellation of hundreds of data transport and advanced missile tracking satellites.
The agency is to upgrade its capabilities on a two-year cycle. SDA received bids from nine companies for these awards, and officials declined to confirm the losing proposals. The agency plans to have 43 additional satellites in orbit by the time the Tranche 2 satellites launch in April 2027.
The 54 Tranche 2 satellites that were awarded this week include 48 detection and warning spacecraft and six equipped with fire control sensors. These sensors build on lessons learned from the Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensors program. SDA’s collaboration with the Space Force’s acquisition arm, Space Systems Command, is also mentioned.
