L3Harris secures $919m contract from Space Development Agency

L3Harris Technologies has received a contract with a potential value of up to $919m. The contract involves the design and construction of 18 infrared space vehicles for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer programme. This programme aims to establish near-global missile warning and tracking coverage.

Commenting on the deal, Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and CEO, L3Harris, said: “Space remains a growth engine, and we are well positioned to provide innovative solutions after having made significant investments in technology for space vehicles, payloads and ground software. The SDA’s latest decision is another example of L3Harris listening to customers, knowing the threats and delivering value for stakeholders while supporting our country.”

L3Harris has crafted missile defence solutions to aid the US military’s ongoing initiative to create a robust satellite constellation, safeguarding against the evolving threats posed by a new generation of hypersonic weapons characterised by increased speed, unpredictable flight trajectories, and faint heat signatures.

The technology developed by L3Harris will not only contribute to the missile defence efforts but will also provide preliminary fire control capability for the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

Prior to securing the T2 Tracking Layer programme contract, L3Harris successfully designed, developed, and built four satellites in less than three years for the SDA’s Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer programme. These T0 satellites are set to launch alongside the US Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite in early 2024. The joint launch will enable the Department of Defense to concurrently warn, track, and target advanced threats.

Additionally, L3Harris is actively involved in constructing a 16-vehicle satellite constellation for SDA’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer programme. This initiative follows the T0 Tracking Layer capabilities, incorporating targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage, increased integration, and greater production efficiencies. The Tranche 1 program will contribute to building out the operational space-based constellation, informing future capabilities of the PWSA.