Sierra Space announced the completion of the first nine satellite structures for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 Tracking Layer (T2TRK) program, achieving this key milestone a full three months ahead of schedule. The company is contracted to deliver 18 satellites, organized into two orbital planes, and has now finished the structures for the entire first plane.
This early delivery highlights Sierra Space’s focused execution on a critical national security program. The T2TRK satellites are designed to carry advanced infrared sensors to detect and track emerging ballistic and hypersonic missile threats from low-Earth orbit.
“To go from a successful Critical Design Review to completing the Plane 1 satellite structures three months early validates our investment in scalable infrastructure,” said Erik Daehler, Senior Vice President of Sierra Space Defense. He credited the company’s high-rate manufacturing facility, Victory Works, established specifically for such demanding production.
With the structures complete, the program now transitions to the assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) phase for Plane 1. Concurrently, Sierra Space has already begun manufacturing the satellite structures for the second plane of nine satellites. “Our team is energized as we move into AI&T while also starting the build for Plane 2,” Daehler added.
Company leadership emphasized the broader strategic importance of the program. “We believe the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer will provide unmatched missile tracking capabilities,” said Daehler. John Wagner, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, noted the company is already scaling production and advancing detection technologies for future needs. “We are preparing for next-generation fire-control missile defense sensors to support the Department of Defense’s evolving requirements,” Wagner stated.
The timely milestone underscores Sierra Space’s model of applying commercial agility and speed to complex defense programs. The completed Tranche 2 Tracking Layer, part of a larger proliferated constellation, is intended to provide global, resilient missile warning and tracking by integrating with the SDA’s companion data Transport Layer.
