SDA seeks proposals for next slate of missile tracking satellites

The Space Development Agency today posted a request for proposals for the next set of missile warning/missile tracking satellites for its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer builds upon the yet-to-launch Tranche 1 and in-development Tranche 2 satellites as the agency seeks to deliver upgraded technology to warfighters by adding to the low-Earth orbit constellation every few years.

SDA is planning 54 satellites for T3TRK with infrared sensors in six orbital planes. SDA may purchase the satellites from more than one vendor.

Proposals are due May 22, and the first set of T3TRKs is scheduled for launch in spring 2029.