The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded three prototype agreements to L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Sierra Space earlier to build 54 satellites that will help create the technological foundation of SDA’s Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer, which focuses on tracking and warning of possible missile threats.
Each contractor will be tasked with developing 18 different satellite vehicles – 16 missile-warning/missile-tracking satellites equipped with infrared sensors and two space vehicles with missile defense infrared sensors – that will work with the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer constellation. The vehicles are targeted for launch by April 2027.
The three deals total about $2.5 billion, with L3Harris in line for up to $919 million, Lockheed Martin for $890 million, and Sierra for $740 million.
“We’re pleased to welcome Sierra Space, a new entrant as a prime vendor on Team SDA, as we continue working with L3Harris and Lockheed Martin on Tranche 2,” said Derek Tournear, SDA director.
“The marketplace is responding to the demand signals for our spiral development model,” Tournear said. “The agile response across the space industry is critically important as we deliver to the warfighter this no-fail mission capability of missile warning, missile tracking, and missile defense.”
“While the kickoff and early execution of these awards will be accomplished under a continuing resolution, planned execution would be disrupted if a full Defense budget is not passed before the end of March,” SDA warned.
