RTX selects Mynaric for SDA's Tranche 1 Tracking Layer

RTX has partnered with Mynaric, a communications equipment company, to develop optical communication terminals for the Space Development Agency's military satellite constellation, the company announced yesterday.

The Tranche 1 Tracking Layer will focus on detecting, identifying and tracking hypersonic weapons and other advanced missiles from their earliest stages of launch through interception, according to the announcement.

“This critical mission demands the very best in technology to ensure our nation’s security,” RTX Intelligence & Space President of Space & C2 Dave Broadbent said.

In February 2023, the Defense Department awarded RTX the seven-vehicle mission satellite constellation. Each satellite will feature three communications terminals supplied by Mynaric, known as CONDOR Mk3 terminals, the announcement reads. Mynaric will provide 21 CONDOR MK3 terminals to RTX for the program, which are expected to be delivered in 2024.

“Once the T1 Tracking Layer is fully deployed, the low-Earth orbit constellations of networked satellites will become the fifth plane of satellites to provide missile warning and missile tracking for the U.S. Department of Defense,” Mynaric said in the announcement.

Additionally, Mynaric will also provide optical communications terminals to the 14 satellites developed by Northrop Grumman, another prime contractor for the T1 Tracking Layer, whose delivery is expected in 2024 for deployment in 2025.

In July 2022, Inside Defense reported that SDA aims to launch the first tracking layer satellite no later than April 2025, a timetable accelerated by a $550 million program increase in March 2022.