The Space Force has launched a study to consider what capabilities to host on future satellites that detect and track advanced, high-speed weapons. Col. Rob Davis, who oversees space sensing acquisition efforts for the service, said the Space Force is weighing the right approach for ensuring spacecraft can survive a nuclear threat. The service is strengthening its missile tracking capabilities against threats from China and Russia, both developing hypersonic missiles. The Space Force relies on large, expensive satellites for its missile warning mission.
The new strategy involves building and fielding large numbers of small satellites in lower orbits, led by the Space Development Agency (SDA) and Space Systems Command (SSC). SDA has launched eight low Earth orbit missile tracking satellites, while SSC plans to launch its first medium Earth orbit spacecraft in 2026. Over time, the Space Force will phase out older systems and rely on this new architecture. Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are building five radiation-hardened Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared satellites.
The Space Force is focused on tracking faster, harder-to-spot targets and less on ensuring the new satellites are hardened against a nuclear attack. The study aims to find options for nuclear protection that fit within the service’s long-term architecture plans. The outcome of the study may affect future work to meet full requirements for the nation.
