BAE Systems has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract by U.S. Space Systems Command to provide the U.S. Space Force with missile tracking satellite capabilities.
As prime contractor for the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking – Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2 program, BAE will design and build 10 satellites. The contract includes a 4-year delivery period for the spacecraft and 5 years of operations and support.
The program aims to provide resilient, space-based tracking of ballistic missiles and advanced threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles.
BAE will also develop the ground system for the satellite constellation, delivering mission management, command and control, and operations tools to support overall system performance.
“This effort builds on our capabilities to facilitate low cost, integrated satellite defense programs that bring together payload and bus builds, while managing ground support, operations and sustainment,” said Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of Military Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. “Our system enables close coordination through a ‘one-team’ approach across capabilities that are critical for missile warning and tracking success.”
Each satellite will be equipped with a high-performance electro-optical/infrared sensor and communication payload, improved by onboard data processing and crosslink capabilities.
The payload will operate on the Trek bus, part of BAE Systems’ Elevation spacecraft line. Trek offers greater payload interface flexibility, improved attitude determination and control, and secure communications.
The program is designed to strengthen warfighter capabilities by enabling continuous delivery of mission data that integrates seamlessly with operational missile defense systems.
The contract builds on BAE Systems’ ongoing support of Defense Department and Space Force satellite constellations that bolster national security and system resiliency.
Earlier this year, Space Systems Command selected BAE to deliver a new satellite command and control system for the Space Force’s Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution program.