Space News

The U.S. Space Force initiated a new phase in its missile defense satellite program. The Space Systems Command on Aug. 9 released a “request for prototype proposals” inviting vendors to submit designs for satellites known as Missile Track Custody Epoch 2, marking the second phase of the Space Force’s program to develop a missile-tracking network in medium Earth orbit (MEO).

The Epoch 2 program builds upon the foundation laid by Epoch 1, the first version of the MEO missile warning and tracking constellation being built by Millennium Space Systems which is projected to launch in late 2026 and early 2027. Raytheon had been selected to build three Epoch 1 satellites but its contract was terminated due to cost and schedule issues.

Click here to read more