Breaking Defense:

DoD’s plans for a new network of low-cost missile tracking satellites is now taking shape under the direction of the Space Development Agency. And key to that network will be space-based laser communications capability linking those myriad satellites together.

The latest step in the building the network is the Missile Defense Agency’s awards to L3Harris and Northrop Grumman to demonstrate a new space-based sensor for tracking hypersonic missiles.

The Hypersonic and Ballistic Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellites will form part of SDA’s “Tracking Layer” in Low Earth Orbit (below 2,000 kilometers in altitude). MDA awarded L3Harris a $121 million contract on Jan. 14; and Northrop Grumman $155 million on Jan. 22 for each to develop a sat-based prototype medium field-of-view sensor targeted specifically at keeping tabs on hypersonic missiles flying fast and low.

SDA’s constellation of low-cost LEO sats is being developed to complement — and potentially back up in a conflict — current US missile warning satellites. Those satellites which are big, expensive, and few in number — presenting a relatively simple target set for US adversaries…

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