Space Development Agency awards contracts for 54 satellites to enhance missile defense

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has announced a major advancement in global security with the award of three prototype agreements to establish the Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer. This initiative will deploy 54 satellites equipped with missile warning/missile tracking (MW/MT) infrared sensors and fire control-quality infrared sensors, significantly enhancing missile defense capabilities as part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

The agreements have been awarded to teams led by L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., and Sierra Space. Each team will deliver and operate 18 space vehicles as part of the T2 Tracking Layer constellation, with a launch deadline set for no later than April 2027. The inclusion of Sierra Space marks the addition of a new prime vendor to Team SDA, complementing the ongoing efforts of L3Harris and Lockheed Martin.

Space Development Agency Director’s Vision for Tranche 2

Derek Tournear, Space Development Agency director, expressed satisfaction with the industry’s agile response to the development model and the critical importance of this mission for global security. “The marketplace is responding to the demand signals for our spiral development model,” Tournear stated.

L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space to Build Next-Gen Missile Tracking Satellites for Space Development Agency

Contract Details and Financial Allocation

Each vendor will provide 16 wide field of view MW/MT space vehicles and two space vehicles with missile defense infrared sensors. The financial agreements are substantial: L3Harris Technologies with a potential value of $919 million, Lockheed Martin Corporation at $890 million, and Sierra Space at $740 million. These fixed-priced agreements reflect the significant investment in advancing missile defense technologies.

Budget Constraints and Execution Challenges

While the initial phase of these awards will be accomplished under a continuing resolution, there is a concern that a full Defense budget needs to be passed before the end of March to avoid disruptions in planned execution.

Enhanced Capabilities of the T2 Tracking Layer

The T2 Tracking Layer’s 54 satellites will expand upon the capabilities of the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer. A select number of satellites will incorporate fire control missile defense infrared sensors, building upon investments made by the Missile Defense Agency in the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensors (HBTSS) program. The Tracking Layer aims to deliver a global constellation of infrared missile warning and tracking satellites, integrated with the Transport Layer’s low-latency communication network, facilitating advanced missile tracking from proliferated low-Earth orbit.

Implications for Global Security

Once fully operational, the T2 constellation will consist of approximately 270 operational Transport and Tracking Layer satellites, significantly bolstering global missile defense systems. This initiative underscores the SDA’s commitment to enhancing global security through advanced space technology and strategic collaborations.