Lockheed Martin has secured a significant contract from the Space Development Agency (SDA) for its next-generation missile defense constellation. The company was awarded a deal worth potentially over $1 billion to build 18 satellites for the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer (TRKT3).
These space vehicles are a critical component of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), SDA’s ambitious network of low-Earth orbit satellites designed for global military communications and missile defense. The new Lockheed Martin satellites will provide advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities. A key function will be processing raw tracking data into fire-control-quality information, enabling weapons systems to conduct actionable engagements against incoming threats.
The award builds directly on Lockheed Martin’s prior work for the SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer. Together, these layers aim to deliver persistent global monitoring, detection, warning, and tracking of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons systems.
Lockheed Martin credits its ability to secure and execute these contracts to years of strategic investment. This includes developing secure networks, dedicated test assets, and a specialized small satellite production hub. The company states these investments allow for earlier integration and maturation of new technologies, which reduces program risk and accelerates production schedules.
“Lockheed Martin’s ongoing investments and evolving practices demonstrate our commitment to supporting the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture,” said Joe Rickers, vice president of Transport, Tracking and Warning at Lockheed Martin. “These innovative approaches position us to meet the warfighter’s urgent need for a proliferated missile defense constellation.”
Production will leverage a mature supply chain to meet rapid timelines, including satellite buses provided by Terran Orbital. The satellites will be assembled at Lockheed Martin’s dedicated SmallSat Processing & Delivery Center in Colorado.
This latest contract substantially expands Lockheed Martin’s role within the PWSA. With this award, the company is now on contract with the SDA for a total of 124 space vehicles across both the Tracking and Transport Layers. This follows the recent launch of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites in October, with another 21 currently in production.
