Proliferating Space-Based Missile Tracking To Defeat
Evolving Threats
Image above: Notional depiction of Proliferated Space Warfighter Architecture interconnectivity.
The T2 Tracking Layer will accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including Hypersonic Glide Vehicles. It will also deliver preliminary missile defense capability by incorporating fire control quality sensors in the constellation.
For the PWSA, Lockheed Martin will provide 16 wide field of view Missile Warning/Missile Tracking (MW/MT) space vehicles with infrared sensors and two space vehicles with Fire Control/Missile Defense (FC/MD) infrared sensors capable of generating fire control-quality tracks.
Under a contract awarded in January 2024, Lockheed Martin has already completed a successfully Preliminary Design Review for its T2 Tracking Layer solution and is already well on its way to a Critical Design Review expected in mid-2025.
The 16 MW/MT and two FC/MD T2 Tracking space vehicles will be assembled, integrated, and tested in Lockheed Martin's Colorado-based, small satellite processing facility, capable of producing up to 180 small satellites a year.
Each Lockheed Martin-built T2 Tracking Layer satellite will incorporate a Terran Orbital bus and infrared missile tracking payloads provided by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems. The satellites also will be equipped with SmartSat™, Lockheed Martin's software platform that makes it easier to dynamically add and quickly change missions in orbit through simple application uploads.
“Lockheed Martin is proud to be part of the realization of the PWSA. The rapidly evolving threat landscape warrants a rapidly fielded and resilient solution to Missile Warning/Missile Defense needs,” said Jason Boitnott, Program Director for Lockheed Martin Space’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program.
“Through our prior investments and experience with the PWSA, Lockheed Martin has established the critical infrastructure and extensive body of knowledge that is essential to spiral development and executing on schedule. We look forward to Critical Design Review in mid-2025 and the subsequent fielding of this essential capability.”