SDA signed firm fixed agreements (Other Transaction Authority, OTA) with L3Harris Technologies companies, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Rocket Lab for creation in general 72 satellites for the third tracking echelon (Tacking Layer Tranche 3, TRKT3) within the PWSA satellite architecture (Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture) in low Earth orbit.
The third echelon of tracking, after integration with the PWSA transport echelon, will greatly expand coverage and increase accuracy, necessary to neutralize modern threats from the enemy. The satellite network will include a combination of missile warning and tracking functions, while half of the satellites' payload will support advanced missile defense missions, to respond to threats, which are constantly evolving.
Companions, the launch of which is planned to begin in 2029 financial year, will cover two types of sensory capabilities: infrared (IR) missile warning/tracking sensors (MW/MT) and warning sensors, missile tracking and defense (MWTD).
Each of the four companies will build 18 satellites. Here's the breakdown of funds for each company and the types of satellites, which they will create:
- Lockheed Martin – 1,1 billion dollars for 18 of MWTD spacecraft (SVs)
- L3Harris Technologies – 843 millions of dollars for 18 MW/MT spacecraft (SVs)
- Rocket Lab – 805 million dollars for 18 of MWTD spacecraft (SVs)
- Northrop Grumman – 764 millions of dollars for 18 MW/MT spacecraft (SVs)
The addition of these satellites will achieve near-continuous global coverage for missile detection and detection, and will also provide payload, capable of generating high-quality data for fire control of anti-missile defense systems.
Rocket Lab reported, that the initial amount is the underlying contract, adding, that there are options for an amount of up to 10,45 a million dollars. The company stated, which will build these satellites on its Lightning satellite bus and use Rocket Lab's "next-generation Phoenix infrared sensors, a decision with a wide field of vision (WFOV), designed to meet national security needs in the field of anti-missile defense, which are constantly changing, as well as advanced StarLite space defense sensors, designed to protect the constellation from directed energy threats.
L3Harris Technologies is adding this contract to its previous orders, which included four missile tracking satellites, launched as part of the initial echelon (Tranche 0) constellation, and 34 satellites, which are under development for Tranche echelons 1 та Tranche 2.
The company recently opened a new facility at its campus in Palm Bay, Florida, specially designed for the production of Tranche satellites 1 і Tranche 2.
As for Northrop Grumman, now the company is responsible for 150 satellites in the first three echelons for SDA. The launch of the first group of its Tranche transport layer satellites 1 (T1TL) scheduled to begin 2026 year.
TRKT3 satellites from Lockheed Martin in quantity 18 units will be built on the basis of satellite platforms from Terran Orbital. Their production will take place at Terran Orbital's Small Satellite Processing and Delivery Center in Colorado.
In total, Lockheed Martin currently has construction contracts 124 spacecraft for SDA.
All satellites in tracking echelon (Tracking Layer) will be designed for seamless operation across the entire PWSA constellation in low Earth orbit, coordinated with a single ground system.
The tracking echelon will form a global constellation of IR satellites for warning and tracking missiles in low Earth orbit, which integrate with the transport echelon communication network with low latency, to provide mission data directly over tactical data links and to provide advanced missile tracking from an extended low orbit”, SDA said in a statement.
System stability is achieved through capability expansion through the introduction of updated technologies with targeted technology improvements approximately every two years with each new generation of satellites, that are launched.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com