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L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been awarded a substantial contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA), valued at up to $919 million. This contract entrusts L3Harris with the task of designing and constructing 18 infrared space vehicles. These vehicles are part of the SDA's Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer program, which aims to provide near-global coverage for missile warning and tracking. by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 17, 2024
L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has been awarded a substantial contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA), valued at up to $919 million. This contract entrusts L3Harris with the task of designing and constructing 18 infrared space vehicles. These vehicles are part of the SDA's Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer program, which aims to provide near-global coverage for missile warning and tracking.
Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and CEO of L3Harris, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. "Space remains a growth engine, and we are well positioned to provide innovative solutions after having made significant investments in technology for space vehicles, payloads, and ground software," Kubasik stated. He further emphasized the company's commitment, noting, "The SDA's latest decision is another example of L3Harris listening to customers, knowing the threats, and delivering value for stakeholders while supporting our country."
This new engagement reflects the ongoing effort of the U.S. military to strengthen its defense capabilities against a new generation of hypersonic weapons. These advanced weapons are characterized by increased speed, unpredictable flight trajectories, and faint heat signatures, posing a significant challenge to existing defense systems.
The technology developed by L3Harris is not limited to missile defense. It also extends to support the preliminary fire control capability for the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This architecture is designed to enhance the U.S. military's readiness and response capabilities in space.
Prior to securing the T2 Tracking Layer program contract, L3Harris had already demonstrated its expertise in rapid satellite development. The company designed, developed, and built four satellites in under three years for the SDA's Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer program. These T0 satellites, set to launch in early 2024 alongside the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite, are a testament to L3Harris's ability to deliver complex space systems on an accelerated timeline. The concurrent launch of the T0 and HBTSS satellites will enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to warn, track, and target advanced threats simultaneously.
Furthermore, L3Harris is in the process of constructing a 16-vehicle satellite constellation for the SDA's Tranche 1 Tracking Layer program. This program builds upon the capabilities established by the T0 Tracking Layer, with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage, and increased integration. The Tranche 1 constellation is not just an expansion but also a step towards the operational space-based constellation, informing future capabilities of the PWSA.
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