Raytheon contracted for space-based hypersonic missile tracker
The MTC ground element can process data from satellites including OPIR space vehicles. (Image: Raytheon)
The Missile Track Custody system will give the US Space Force a medium Earth orbit-based missile tracking capability.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space has been awarded a contract to develop a prototype Missile Track Custody (MTC) system for the US Space Force (USSF), the service’s first medium Earth orbit (MEO) missile tracking capability.
Raytheon will serve as prime contractor for the MTC system, delivering a space vehicle, mission payload and ground-based C2 and data processing.
The ground segment will use the Raytheon's Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution Mission Data Processing Application Framework (FORGE MDPAF). This collects and processes data from satellites, including Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) space vehicle data from the USSF's Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) constellation and the future Next-Generation OPIR constellation.
Related Articles
Russia fires hypersonic missile in first recorded use during conflict
BAE Systems announces space-based data analysis and processing with new satellite cluster
Northrop Grumman IBCS air and missile defence system complete key test phase
Roger Cole, executive director, strategic systems programmes, at Raytheon Intelligence & Space said: 'From its MEO perch, our system will enable space force to accurately detect and track adversarial hypersonic weapons with precision accuracy.'
The MTC mission payload, which passed critical design review in November, will be integrated on a Lockheed Martin LM400 satellite bus/
The Raytheon/Lockheed Martin team plans to complete a system critical design review this year, followed by a build, integration and test campaign to deliver capability to orbit by 2026.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production]()
December Drone Digest: Germany, Australia and US champion indigenous UAV production
One of the key trends seen in December has been the rise in indigenous investment within the UAV market, particularly across certain countries, with Germany, Australia and the US focusing on their commitments to sovereign development.
-
![What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?]()
What might next-generation military aircrew training look like?
Changing roles for combat aircraft fleets, the rise of simulation and LVC technologies, and the increasing cost of flight hours could all be leading to a paradigm shift in military pilot training.
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
