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

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/sda-orders-54-tranche-2-tracking-satellites-from-l3harris-lockheed-a295c648
Date: 16 Jan 2024
About: [Space Development Agency](https://technooptimist.io/companies/space-development-agency.md) · [Tracking Layer](https://technooptimist.io/spaceflight/tracking-layer.md)
Original source: https://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/space/2024/01/16/space-development-agency-to-buy-54-missile-tracking-satellites/

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.

## Key facts

- 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.

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