SDA issues Tranche 1 tracking layer solicitation targeting launch before May 2025

The Space Development Agency is seeking vendors for the second round of tracking layer satellites, with launch targeted to occur before May 2025.

The solicitation, posted Thursday, stipulates the 28 satellites tied to the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer will be divided into four planes, with vendors responsible for half a global constellation each. That development and delivery work would consist of two of the orbital planes, as well as related ground support and operations and sustainment capability.

Following the 2025 launch, the notice calls for launches of subsequent planes to occur at one-month intervals.

The listing comes after a senior defense official told reporters in a background call earlier this week that a $550 million increase within the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill cleared the way for the solicitation’s posting. The legislation, which President Biden signed into law March 15, directs the funding for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command satellite warning, tracking, targeting and intelligence-gathering.

The effort is part of a broader missile tracking and warning force design push that involves the Space Force and the Missile Defense Agency.