SDA orders 54 Tranche 2 tracking satellites from L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space for $2.5B

Space Development Agency/Tracking Layer

SDA picked three companies from nine bidders for its Tranche 2 Tracking Layer: L3Harris ($919M), Lockheed Martin ($890M) and newcomer Sierra Space ($740M), 18 satellites each. Six of the 54 carry fire-control sensors precise enough to guide interceptors, building on the Missile Defense Agency's HBTSS work. They are due to launch in April 2027.

• 48 warning-and-tracking satellites plus 6 fire-control satellites.
• Four tracking satellites were in orbit at the time.
• It was Sierra Space's first major defense satellite contract.