The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a contract for 18 space vehicles for its Tranche 3 Tracking Layer (TRKT3) constellation, with a potential value of more than $1 billion.These satellites will provide missile tracking capabilities for the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a layered network of missile defense and military communications satellites in low Earth orbit. Under the award, Lockheed Martin will provide 18 missile warning, tracking, and defense space vehicles. Once in orbit, these space vehicles will turn fire–control–quality tracks into actionable engagements.
The contract builds on Lockheed Martin’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer award and will help enable global, persistent indication, detection, warning, tracking and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
Lockheed Martin’s work on the Tracking Layer stems from years of investment in secure networks, test assets and a dedicated small satellite production center. These investments have allowed Lockheed Martin to integrate and mature new technologies earlier in the development cycle, reducing risk and ultimately accelerating program and production schedules.
“Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investments and evolving practices demonstrate our commitment to supporting the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture,” said Joe Rickers, vice president of Transport, Tracking and Warning at Lockheed Martin. “These innovative approaches position Lockheed Martin to meet the warfighter’s urgent need for a proliferated missile defense constellation.” he added.
