Enhancing Early Detection of Hypersonic and Ballistic Threats with Next-Generation Space Assets
The U.S. Space Force has committed $1.2 billion to BAE Systems to develop 10 advanced satellites as part of its new missile warning constellation, aimed at tracking hypersonic cruise missiles and ballistic missile threats. This contract represents a significant step in modernizing the nation’s space-based missile detection capabilities.
Introducing Epoch 2: The Next Generation of Missile Warning Satellites
These satellites will form the second-generation segment, called Epoch 2, of the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) program. When deployed alongside the first-generation satellites, Epoch 2 will enable the Space Force to deliver rapid, initial warfighting capabilities, according to the official release. BAE’s Space and Mission Systems division, formerly Ball Aerospace before its acquisition by BAE in 2024, will lead the manufacturing of these satellites.
Strategic Investments in a Broader Missile Warning Network
The Space Force envisions a baseline constellation of approximately 30 Resilient MWT MEO satellites, with a total program budget requesting nearly $6 billion through fiscal year 2029, as detailed in its FY25 budget proposal released last March. This layered approach ensures resilient, persistent coverage against rapidly maneuvering threats.
A Modular, Incremental Development Approach
Following the model set by the Space Development Agency (SDA), Space Systems Command (SSC) is developing the MEO constellation incrementally. New, refined satellite configurations are released every two years through fixed-price contracts under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanisms.
In January 2023, SSC awarded Raytheon Intelligence & Space (now RTX) and Boeing’s Millennium Space Systems contracts to develop six Epoch 1 prototypes, to be launched in two different MEO planes. RTX was later removed from the program in June 2024 due to cost and performance issues, with Millennium selected as the replacement. This change increased the total number of Orbiting satellites to 12, with the first Epoch 1 satellite planned for launch by the end of FY26 and a second in early FY28. The Epoch 2 satellites are slated to begin delivery in FY29.
Flexible Acquisition Strategy to Maximize Capabilities
Col. Rob Davis, head of SSC’s Space Sensing program office, noted that the Space Force aims to acquire a total of 18 Epoch 2 satellites, though the actual number may vary based on vendor proposals and budget allocations. “Vendors are free to propose the quantity needed to satisfy the requirements,” Davis explained, emphasizing the flexible, capability-driven approach to procurement.
The upcoming award for a second vendor will depend on the results of ongoing FY26 budget discussions, he added.
Context: The Current and Future Missile Warning Systems
The existing ballistic missile warning system, the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), operates in geostationary orbit (GEO) at about 36,000 km altitude, with six satellites currently deployed. Its planned successor, the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) system, will consist of four satellites — two in GEO and two in highly elliptical orbits, ensuring enhanced global coverage.
In tandem, the Space Development Agency is building a complementary constellation of over 100 low Earth orbit (LEO) missile tracking satellites, optimized for detecting fast-moving hypersonic missiles. This LEO “Tracking Layer” operates between 100 and 2,000 km altitude, offering rapid response times and lower latency, though at higher ground station costs.
Conclusion
The $1.2 billion BAE Systems contract exemplifies the U.S. military’s strategic focus on multi-layered, resilient space-based missile detection systems. By deploying a mix of MEO, GEO, and LEO satellites, the U.S. aims to maintain a cutting-edge advantage in early warning and missile defense, countering evolving threats from hypersonic and other advanced missile systems.
