L3Harris, Sierra Space to build 36 satellites to expand U.S. missile-tracking network

2026-07-13 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Public Safety & Security · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded contracts totaling approximately \$1.75 billion to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space for the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 program. These awards, announced July 13, cover the construction of 36 new missile warning and missile defense satellites, scheduled for launch by the end of 2028. L3Harris received about \$955 million for 18 satellites equipped with sensors similar to the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS), while Sierra Space secured approximately \$798 million for 18 satellites. This initiative expands the Tracking Layer of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a low Earth orbit constellation designed to detect, track, and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats, supporting the Golden Dome missile defense initiative. The new satellites will be interoperable with existing Tracking Layer spacecraft from Tranches 1, 2, and 3, operating through a common ground system.

Key takeaway

For defense contractors evaluating future space programs, this significant investment signals a sustained demand for proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) missile defense capabilities. You should focus R&D on advanced infrared sensor technologies and ensure your satellite designs prioritize interoperability with existing Space Development Agency (SDA) Tracking Layer infrastructure. This strategic direction emphasizes rapid deployment and seamless integration for evolving missile threat detection.

Key insights

The U.S. is rapidly expanding its LEO missile defense constellation with new contracts for 36 advanced satellites.

Principles

• Proliferated LEO constellations enhance global missile defense.
• Interoperability across satellite tranches is crucial for network growth.
• Infrared sensors are key for missile detection and tracking.

In practice

• Integrate new satellite tranches with existing ground systems.
• Equip satellites with HBTSS-like sensors for advanced tracking.
• Utilize low-latency networks for real-time targeting data.

Topics

• Space Development Agency
• Missile Defense
• LEO Satellites
• Hypersonic Tracking
• Satellite Constellations
• Defense Contracts

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.