Space Force Boosts Funds for Advanced Missile Tracking with Millennium Systems

Space Force Boosts Funds for Advanced Missile Tracking with Millennium Systems

At a glance:

  • The U.S. Space Force awarded Millennium Space Systems a $386 million contract to develop six missile-tracking satellites.
  • These satellites will form part of a 12-satellite network operating in medium Earth orbit (MEO), enhancing missile defense.
  • The constellation will include infrared sensors and laser communication capabilities to detect both ballistic and hypersonic threats.

Millennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing, has secured a major $386 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to produce a set of six advanced missile-defense satellites. This is the second contract for the program, following a $509 million agreement in December for an identical batch of six satellites, bringing the total to 12. The constellation, known as the Medium Earth Orbit Missile Warning and Tracking Epoch 1, aims to bolster U.S. and allied missile defenses amid rising global threats.

The new satellites will be positioned in medium Earth orbit (MEO), offering a strategic advantage over traditional low Earth orbit systems by providing extended coverage and tracking time. This orbit, situated between low Earth orbit and the higher geosynchronous orbit, is ideal for tracking various missile types, including new, faster hypersonic weapons that present significant detection challenges.

Key to the system’s capabilities are specialized infrared sensors developed by Boeing. These sensors can detect and track both conventional ballistic missiles and maneuverable hypersonic threats. The satellites will also feature advanced laser communication links, allowing them to communicate directly with each other in space without ground-based intermediaries. This feature will enable faster data sharing, enhancing the network’s ability to detect and respond to threats quickly.

The first set of six satellites is expected to be delivered by late 2026, with the second set following in 2027. Lindsay Dewald, the program manager at Millennium Space, emphasized that the project will fill critical gaps in U.S. missile defense, enhancing the country’s ability to monitor and counter evolving missile threats.

To support the project, Millennium Space established a specialized production facility designed to streamline the manufacturing process, reduce costs, and accelerate delivery times. Michelle Parker, Vice President at Boeing Space Mission Systems, highlighted the importance of rapid timelines and innovative design, factors that were instrumental in securing the contract.

The satellite network is part of a broader strategy to integrate multiple layers of defense, combining different orbits to ensure comprehensive coverage. This integration will strengthen the Space Force’s existing missile warning systems, providing a robust defense against potential threats.

Looking ahead, the Space Systems Command has plans to expand this program. Col. Rob Davis, the program executive officer for space sensing, announced that additional contracts for the next phase, known as Epoch 2, are anticipated next year. Lt. Col. Nathan Terrazone, who leads the Epoch 1 space branch, noted that Epoch 2 would focus on achieving full operational capability, further enhancing the U.S.’s strategic position.

As global tensions and missile threats continue to grow, the investment in cutting-edge technologies like the Black Hornet 4 and Epoch 1 satellites represents a decisive step toward modernizing U.S. space-based defense capabilities.