This constellation, anticipated to start deployment by late 2026, aims to significantly bolster the U.S.'s ability to detect and monitor missile launches and hypersonic glide vehicles, a necessity in today's rapidly evolving global defense landscape.
In June 2023, L3Harris was awarded a $29 million contract to expedite the integration of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) sensing technology into a novel satellite constellation slated for medium Earth orbit. This contract underscores the urgency and importance of advancing missile tracking technology to safeguard national security.
The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for this infrared sensor payload marks a crucial step forward, establishing the design baseline for the SSC and ensuring the project remains on schedule for the Critical Design Review in 2024.
The SSC's innovative approach to satellite deployment, planning to launch new satellites every three years in what are termed "Epochs," allows for a scalable and adaptable enhancement of capabilities over time. This strategy is indicative of a broader shift within the space defense sector towards more dynamic and responsive satellite constellations, capable of meeting the evolving demands of global security.
Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, highlighted the significance of the technology and the company's commitment to national defense.
"L3Harris technology is an integral part of the Space Force Space Systems Command's Missile Track Custody program, which will provide groundbreaking missile warning and tracking capabilities that are at the forefront of our national defense," he stated. Zoiss further emphasized the company's dedication to leveraging its extensive experience within the nation's integrated missile defense architecture to deliver resilient, low-risk, and affordable solutions for both the initial Epoch and subsequent deployments.
This development is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Space Force to maintain and enhance the nation's strategic defense capabilities in space. The incorporation of L3Harris's advanced infrared sensor technology into the SSC's MTC program represents a significant leap forward in the United States' ability to monitor and respond to missile threats. It also reflects the growing importance of space-based defense systems in ensuring national and global security in the 21st century.
As the project moves towards the Critical Design Review in 2024, the collaboration between L3Harris and the SSC will continue to be a cornerstone of the U.S. Space Force's strategic initiatives to enhance its defensive and surveillance capabilities.
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Military Space News at SpaceWar.com
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