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BAE Systems has reached a major milestone in the development of a new missile warning and tracking satellite system for the United States Space Force, advancing efforts to detect increasingly sophisticated missile threats from space.
The company announced it has successfully completed the preliminary design review for the $1.2 billion Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program operating in medium Earth orbit, known as the RMWT MEO Epoch 2 project.
The program is being delivered for the Space Force’s acquisition arm, Space Systems Command, and will provide the next generation of space-based missile detection capable of identifying and tracking advanced threats, including ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles.
Completion of the review establishes the technical blueprint for the entire system, covering both the satellites themselves and the ground-based command-and-control infrastructure required to operate them.
According to the company, the preliminary design phase for the multi-satellite constellation was completed in less than nine months, an unusually rapid timeline for a complex national security space program.
The accelerated schedule was made possible by the use of high-maturity technology, including BAE Systems’ proprietary Trek satellite bus platform, as well as extensive digital modelling and simulation.
BAE Systems also drew on its long experience developing infrared optical payloads, a critical technology used to detect the intense heat signatures generated by missile launches and flight.
Company executives said the program is being delivered using advanced digital engineering methods designed to streamline design, testing and system integration.
“Achieving a successful preliminary design review alongside Space Systems Command reflects the strength of our digital modelling and simulation approach,” said Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of military space at BAE Systems.
Under the contract, BAE Systems will act as the prime contractor responsible for delivering the entire capability from spacecraft design and payload development through to launch, ground infrastructure and operational support.
The company will design and build a constellation of 10 satellites for the mission while also developing the ground systems used to manage the network. These systems will provide mission management, command and control, and operational coordination for the satellite fleet.
Once operational, the constellation will provide persistent missile warning and tracking from medium Earth orbit, strengthening the United States’ ability to detect and respond to emerging threats.
The RMWT MEO Epoch 2 program forms part of a broader effort by the US Space Force to build a more resilient network of satellites capable of surviving and operating in an increasingly contested space environment.
Defence officials said the new generation of missile-tracking satellites will play a crucial role in protecting national security, offering earlier detection of launches and improved tracking of advanced weapons systems as global missile technology continues to evolve.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
