Raytheon space-based missile tracker hits programme milestone
The medium-Earth-orbit MTC will be able to provide greater area coverage with fewer sensors. (Image: Raytheon)
Raytheon's orbital payload for the US Space Force's Missile Track Custody programme has passed a key critical design review.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s sensor payload for the Missile Track Custody (MTC) programme recently passed the tailored mission payload critical design review (CDR).
The USSF established MTC to accelerate fielding of a resilient, persistent detection and missile tracking capability from medium Earth orbit. Currently, the US carries out missile warning and tracking from elliptical and geostationary orbits and plans to expand coverage to low Earth orbit.
MTC provides another layer to the missile warning, defence and tracking architecture to detect and maintain custody of emerging missile threats, while also providing area coverage with fewer sensors than LEO solutions.
Related Articles
NATO planning for more Russian missiles
Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry
During the critical design review, Raytheon used digital engineering models and demonstrations to show that key elements – including focal plane, electronics, firmware and telescope – are ready for fabrication. This approach reduced technical and schedule risk for follow-on phases of the programme, enabling delivery of a compliant space-qualified product.
The company will now focus on completing design of the remaining space and ground segments. A full-system CDR in 2023 followed by a build, integration, and test campaign aim to deliver in-orbit capability by 2026.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?]()
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
