Orbital Shield: SDA Awards $1.75B for Expanded Missile Tracking Layer

Expansion of the PWSA

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency (SDA) has authorized a $1.75 billion expansion of its low Earth orbit (LEO) defensive architecture. According to SpaceNews, L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space have been selected to construct 36 additional satellites under the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 program. These assets will bolster the SDA's Tracking Layer, designed to detect and intercept ballistic and hypersonic threats.

Contractor Deliverables

L3Harris secured the larger portion of the award, valued at approximately $955 million. They will produce 18 missile defense satellites across two orbital planes. These units will feature sensors derived from the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program. Sierra Space was awarded roughly $798 million for 18 warning and tracking satellites, reinforcing their growing role as a prime contractor following their Tranche 2 debut.

Strategic Objectives

The deployment is slated for completion by the end of 2028. This expansion supports the "Golden Dome" initiative, aiming for a persistent, space-based infrared network that provides global targeting data with low latency.

Gurpartap “GP” Sandhoo, director of the SDA, stated that the awards accelerate the deployment of a redundant network capable of identifying advanced missile threats. These new satellites will remain interoperable with existing Tranche 1 and 2 assets, utilizing a unified ground control system. To date, L3Harris has been contracted for 72 satellites across the program’s lifecycle, while Sierra Space’s total now reaches 36 units.