Five missile tracking satellites L3Harris Technologies designed and built successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, as part of the Missile Defense Agency?s (MDA) Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program and the Space Development Agency?s (SDA) Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer program. L3Harris? HBTSS satellite is an on-orbit prototype demonstration that can track maneuvering hypersonic missiles flying beyond the range of today?s ballistic missile detection capabilities.

The other four infrared satellites will support SDA?s Tracking Layer, which will demonstrate global indications, warning, tracking and targeting of advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles. This combined launch also supports SDA?s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by integrating missile tracking and missile defense sensors. The Department of Defense will use a common set of data to adjust and modify the capabilities for the SDA?s Tranche 1 and 2 Tracking Layer constellation.

Earlier this year, L3Harrisreceived a $919 million contract to develop an 18-vehicle constellation for the SDA?s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellite program.