L3Harris Technologies Launches New Satellites to Enhance US Missile Defense

Reuters Events SMR and Advanced Reactor 2025

L3Harris Technologies Launches New Satellites to Enhance US Missile Defense
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 16, 2024

The U.S. Department of Defense has marked a significant milestone in missile defense capabilities with the successful launch of five missile tracking satellites designed and constructed by L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX). These satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, under the auspices of 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.

This initiative represents a critical advancement in the U.S.'s ability to detect and track hypersonic and advanced ballistic missile threats. Hypersonic missiles, known for their high speed and maneuverability, pose a significant challenge to existing missile defense systems. The HBTSS satellite, a prototype on-orbit demonstration, specifically aims to enhance the detection capabilities beyond the range of current systems by tracking these maneuvering hypersonic missiles.

In addition to the HBTSS satellite, the launch included four infrared satellites dedicated to the SDA's Tracking Layer. This layer is designed to demonstrate a global capacity for indications, warnings, tracking, and targeting of advanced threats, including hypersonic missiles. This integrated approach not only boosts the U.S.'s defensive posture but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive missile warning and defense system.

Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and CEO of L3Harris, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, "Our advanced satellites on orbit will bring the integrated and resilient missile warning and defense capabilities the U.S. requires against adversaries developing more advanced maneuverable missiles." Kubasik highlighted the rapid development and deployment of this advanced tracking capability, noting that it was accomplished in just over three years from authorization.

The launch supports the SDA's broader initiative, the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, which aims to integrate missile tracking and defense sensors into a cohesive system. This architecture will provide the Department of Defense with a unified data set to refine and enhance the capabilities for the SDA's future Tranche 1 and 2 Tracking Layer satellite constellations.

Earlier this year, L3Harris was awarded a $919 million contract to develop an 18-vehicle constellation for the SDA's Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellite program, further solidifying its role in advancing the United States' space sensing and missile defense architecture.

This collaboration between L3Harris, the MDA, and the SDA underscores a strategic commitment to leveraging space-based technologies to protect the nation against evolving threats. As adversaries continue to develop sophisticated missile technologies, initiatives like this are vital to maintaining the U.S.'s strategic advantage and ensuring national security.