US Space Force awards Raytheon Intelligence & Space prototype agreement
Raytheon Intelligence and Space awarded US Space Force missile warning system development agreement. (Photo: Raytheon Intelligence & Space)
Raytheon Intelligence & Space has been awarded a US Space Force prototype agreement to mature missile warning design.
Raytheon Intelligence & Space has been awarded a US Space Force prototype agreement to mature the space-based Medium Earth orbit Track Custody Demonstration (MTCD) programme through mission payload Critical Design Review (CDR).
MTCD transitioned from Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared GEO Block 1. The RI&S team completed a Block 1 study Mission Payload preliminary design review in September 2020.
They will build on that design for the MTCD mission payload CDR.
The team is using digital engineering, both environment and tools, for the design’s modelling and simulation, with the goal of driving a modern design and review process that is faster and more robust.
Digital engineering and agile development help to give the Space Force design insight and access to models that can show the design delivers on performance against evolving mission requirements.
The base prototype agreement is an 18-months-to-mission payload CDR. Future options include the design, integration and launch of up to three prototype vehicles as well as integration into Space Force architecture and ground systems.
Paul Meyer, vice president of Space & C2 Systems, RI&S, said: ‘The ability to combat future threats than span from cruise and ballistic to fast-flying hypersonics requires a diverse resilient missile warning/track custody architecture’
More from Defence Notes
-
![Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: New public security needs drive personal protection equipment modernisation
European law enforcement and public security agencies are entering a new cycle of investment in personal protection equipment (PPE), driven by evolving threat profiles, officer welfare requirements and advances in materials technology.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO’s eastern flank
Autonomous systems developer Milrem has evolved a model for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), showing how uncrewed systems could provide a multi-layered defence architecture in the air and on land along NATO’s eastern borders.
-
![Eurosatory 2026 to highlight changing defence and security priorities]()
Eurosatory 2026 to highlight changing defence and security priorities
Eurosatory 2026 will reflect a defence and security sector shaped by conflict, rising government spending, uncrewed systems, multidomain networks and growing demand for sovereign capabilities.
-
![Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP]()
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.
