Lockheed Martin has been awarded an $890 million contract by the Space Development Agency to build 18 advanced missile-tracking satellites. This initiative aims to enhance the United States’ capabilities in detecting and tracking emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
In a significant move to bolster national defense, the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin an $890 million contract to develop 18 advanced missile-tracking satellites. This contract is part of the SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program, which seeks to enhance the United States’ ability to detect and track sophisticated missile threats from low Earth orbit.
Advancing Missile Detection Capabilities
Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin will deliver 16 wide-field-of-view missile warning and tracking satellites equipped with infrared sensors. Additionally, two satellites will feature missile defense infrared sensors capable of generating fire control-quality tracking data, providing preliminary missile defense capabilities. These satellites are slated for deployment by April 2027.
Michael Corriea, Vice President of Warning Programs at Lockheed Martin Space, emphasized the importance of this development: “As missile threats increase from around the world, we fully support the proliferated space architecture the SDA is building to protect our nation and allies.” He further highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing missile detection technologies to address evolving global threats.
Collaborative Efforts and Technological Integration
Each satellite will incorporate a bus provided by Terran Orbital and an infrared missile-tracking payload developed by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. This collaboration brings together industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge technology for national defense. The satellites will also be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s SmartSat™ software platform, enabling dynamic mission modifications through on-orbit application uploads.
Scott Forney, President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are proud to be a part of Lockheed Martin Space’s team supporting the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program mission.” He noted that the payloads developed by General Atomics will play a crucial role in providing real-time global missile warning and tracking capabilities.
Strategic Importance of the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer
The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer is a critical component of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, designed to establish a resilient and responsive space-based missile warning system. This layer aims to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. By incorporating fire control-quality sensors, the constellation will offer preliminary missile defense capabilities, enhancing the nation’s defensive posture.
Derek Tournear, SDA Director, highlighted the agency’s commitment to rapid development and deployment: “The marketplace is responding to the demand signals for our spiral development model. The agile response across the space industry is critically important as we deliver to the warfighter this no-fail mission capability of missile warning, missile tracking, and missile defense.”
Industry-Wide Collaboration
In addition to Lockheed Martin, the SDA has awarded contracts to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space, each tasked with building 18 satellites for the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer. The combined efforts of these industry leaders underscore a collective commitment to enhancing national security through advanced space-based technologies. The total value of these contracts amounts to approximately $2.5 billion, reflecting the strategic importance of the initiative.
Conclusion
The development of these advanced missile-tracking satellites marks a pivotal step in strengthening the United States’ defense capabilities. Through collaborative efforts and technological innovation, the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer will provide comprehensive, real-time missile detection and tracking, ensuring that the nation is well-equipped to address emerging global threats.