Monitoring the next domain: US launches space awareness satellites
LDPE-3A was built using Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar platform, pictured above. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
The US Space Force’s (USSF's) Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LPDE) programme has achieved new success with the launch of its third spacecraft, the LPDE-3A.
As part of the USSF-67 mission, Space X’s Falcon Heavy launched the LPDE-3A into orbit, which carries five military payloads.
Among these, Catcher is a prototype space domain awareness sensor, while WASSAT is a prototype wide-area sensor used to track other spacecraft and debris in geosynchronous orbit. These two payloads are US Space Systems Command smallsats.
The remaining three payloads were developed by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
Matt Fetrow, a spokesperson for the Rapid Capabilities Office, stated that two of the payloads are prototypes for space situational awareness missions, and the third is a data-encryption device to ensure secure transmissions
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Drones, C-UAS and air base investments top the list in $42 billion US-Qatar defence deal]()
Drones, C-UAS and air base investments top the list in $42 billion US-Qatar defence deal
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems secured a nearly $2 billion deal for MQ-9B uncrewed aerial systems, while Raytheon’s counter-UAS system was secured for $1 billion.
-
![Leonardo CEO urges “speed as important as money” as joint ventures progress picks up]()
Leonardo CEO urges “speed as important as money” as joint ventures progress picks up
The company’s Q1 2025 results showed a 20% increase in new orders and a 15% increase in revenue across the business.
-
![Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth]()
Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth
Results for Q1 2025 have been strong across the board for many defence companies in Europe with forward-looking statements and predictions for the full year also looking good.
-
![Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?]()
Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?
Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
