The Pentagon’s next satellite launch is a test for missile defense’s future
In this op-ed, Masao Dahlgren discusses the launch of a forthcoming missile-tracking satellite constellation and what can be learned from it.
GEOST to provide Sierra Space missile tracking/fire control payloads for SDA effort
While GEOST has made infrared sensors for classified systems in the ones and twos, the new contract will involve building infrared sensors designed to be used in a larger constellation, LightRidge CEO Bill Gattle told Breaking Defense.
Space Force plans next MEO missile tracking satellite awards by early 2025
The "baseline" MEO missile warning/tracking configuration providing global coverage will include "approximately 27 satellites," said SSC program lead Col. Heather Bogstie.
New Space Force strategy highlights key role in joint fight
A five-year funding chart included in the strategy shows a steep increase in planned missile warning spending.
Booz Allen nabs $630M integration contract for Space Force missile warning, weather programs
The contract, announced by the company today, will support Space Systems Command's Program Executive Office for Space Sensing, which is responsible for the service's missile warning, weather monitoring and "persistent tactical surveillance" programs.
SDA steps toward global hypersonic missile tracking, plus new targeting capability
SDA plans to purchase and deploy a minimum of 54 space vehicles equipped with infrared sensors from up to three vendors under the new solicitation for Tranche 2 of its Tracking Layer constellation.
SDA launches 13 more Tranche 0 data relay, missile tracking sats for ‘warfighter immersion’
While SDA plans to use lasers to connect its hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit to each other and to the ground, that technology remains in its infancy.
SDA racing ahead with new, US-based satellite ground stations, could meet hiccup abroad
SDA Director Derek Tournear also shed some more light on the agency's new, highly secretive FOO Fighter program to develop new fire control quality tracking satellites.
There goes my missile: SDA eyes new FOO Fighter missile defense ‘fire control’ sats
The new "Fire-Control On Orbit-Support-To-The-War Fighter (FOO Fighter or F2)" program "will accelerate the ability to provide new fire control options for the tactical users," an SDA spokesperson told Breaking Defense. But how does it play with MDA programs?
Space Force asks industry input for second phase of MEO missile warning/tracking
The Resilient Missile Warning/Missile Tracking - MEO constellation will be incrementally developed in two- to three-year cycles by Space Systems Command.
Space Development Agency readies launch of first satellites for comms, missile tracking
The 10 satellites, which will be lofted on a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg SFB to low Earth orbit (LEO), are the first batch of the Tranche 0 constellation, building blocks of America's resilient space strategy.
Space Force seeks 12% budget boost, to $30B, with R&D focus
"The threat is racing to out pace us," Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told reporters in a budget pre-briefing on March 10.
Space Force Missile Track Custody prototype effort moves to hardware stage
Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Boeing's Millennium Space Systems are now on contract to deliver flight-ready prototypes by 2026.