Space Development Agency confirms Tracking Layer providers
SpaceX and L3Harris to develop satellites for system to provide global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.
The US Space Development Agency (SDA) has again awarded SpaceX and L3Harris contracts to manufacture missile-warning satellites, confirming an original decision that was subject to protests from Airbus and Raytheon.
A re-evaluation of the $193.5 million deal for L3Harris and the $150.45 million contract for SpaceX confirmed that the two offers deliver the best value.
The first Tranche 0 Transport and Tracking Layer space vehicles are scheduled to be launched September 2022. The entire constellation will be placed on orbit no later than 31 March 2023, the SDA announced.
Tracking Layer is intended to provide global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. It will comprise a heterogeneous constellation of wide FoV space vehicles that provide persistent global coverage, combined with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) medium FoV satellites that provide a precision global access capability.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Orbiting the Future: How New Satellite Technologies are Revolutionising Global Communications]()
Orbiting the Future: How New Satellite Technologies are Revolutionising Global Communications
With the satellite industry at a pivotal juncture, Intelsat is investing in advanced technologies like 5G and optical communications, striving to enhance worldwide connectivity and address emerging governmental needs.
-
![Leidos to support DoD Joint Staff C2 system under $74 million contract]()
Leidos to support DoD Joint Staff C2 system under $74 million contract
Leidos has been awarded a five-year, $74 million contract to provide analytical and engineering support for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) to the US DoD Joint Staff (JS) J6 Joint Assessment Division (JAD).
-
![Space Systems Technology Report 2023 now available to read]()
Space Systems Technology Report 2023 now available to read
Unlocking the potential of satellite technology for communications and intelligence-gathering.
-
![DSEI 2023: APS claims 90% success rate in tracking drones in Ukraine]()
DSEI 2023: APS claims 90% success rate in tracking drones in Ukraine
Advanced Protection System (APS) has reported a 90% success in tracking Russian UAVs operating in the Ukraine war using its SKYctrl anti-drone system.
