Five satellites designed and constructed by L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) were successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This launch is part of both the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program and the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer program.
The HBTSS satellite by L3Harris serves as an on-orbit prototype demonstration capable of tracking maneuvering hypersonic missiles that operate beyond the current range of ballistic missile detection capabilities. The remaining four infrared satellites are intended to support SDA’s Tracking Layer, showcasing global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting capabilities against advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles.
Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair, and CEO expressed confidence in the advanced satellites, stating that they will provide the integrated and resilient missile warning and defense capabilities necessary for the U.S. to counter adversaries developing sophisticated maneuverable missiles. The successful deployment of this advanced missile tracking capability, completed just over three years after work authorization, highlights L3Harris’ crucial role in the development of the new space sensing architecture.
Moreover, the launch contributes to SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by integrating missile tracking and missile defense sensors. This integration allows the Department of Defense to utilize a common set of data for adjusting and enhancing capabilities for the SDA’s Tranche 1 and 2 Tracking Layer constellation. Earlier this year, L3Harris secured a $919 million contract for the development of an 18-vehicle constellation as part of the SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellite program.
