Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - Low Earth Orbit (LEO) program, under Program Element PE 1206446SF, is a major initiative managed by the Space Development Agency (SDA) within the Department of the Air Force and United States Space Force. The primary goal of this program is to rapidly develop, demonstrate, and field a resilient, proliferated satellite architecture in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that provides advanced missile warning, missile tracking, and missile defense (MW/MT/MD) capabilities. This effort supports the National Defense Strategy and DoD Space Vision by enabling global surveillance and beyond-line-of-sight targeting for the joint warfighter.

The program is structured around the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), which aims to deliver a robust military sensing and data transport capability via multiple tranches of satellites. Each tranche represents a phase in the spiral development model, with Tranche 1 (T1), Tranche 2 (T2), and Tranche 3 (T3) focusing on incremental improvements in technology, integration, and operational capability. The objectives for each tranche include payload and space bus production, qualification testing, assembly, integration, and ground readiness reviews to ensure seamless integration with PWSA Operations Centers.

Tranche 1 Tracking Layer activities in FY 2025 and FY 2026 involve finalizing the assembly, integration, and testing of T1 satellites, conducting ground readiness and pre-ship reviews, and launching four planes of tracking space vehicles. The program also emphasizes integration with MW/MT/MD enterprise data interfaces and fusion applications, leveraging Mission Data Processing Applications (MDPAPs) and Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Ground initiatives for rapid data dissemination. Investments in facilities, hardware, network management, and ground entry points are also supported to ensure the enterprise's operational readiness.

Tranche 2 Tracking Layer objectives include completing preliminary and critical design reviews, initiating optical interoperability testing, and beginning payload and spacecraft bus production. The program supports ground segment integration and interoperability testing with the Transport Layer. Continued development of the Technology Acceleration Center (TAC) is also supported to enhance network connectivity, data fusion, and risk mitigation associated with command and control challenges and interagency integration.

Tranche 3 Tracking Layer focuses on initiating design requirements based on force design analysis, drafting acquisition plans, and coordinating with warfighter stakeholders to refine performance requirements. The program will execute acquisition and source selection processes, award contracts to space vehicle vendors, and begin early integration studies to support future launches. Lessons learned from earlier tranches are incorporated to improve system requirements and integration with the MW/MT/MD enterprise.

The Advanced Fire Control (AFC) component aims to develop and demonstrate advanced fire control capabilities for hypersonic threats. AFC activities include critical design reviews, payload and bus assembly, ground infrastructure development, and integration testing with demonstration operations centers. The program also supports efforts to enable advanced tactical links and fire control demonstrations.

The Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - LEO program leverages partnerships with agencies such as the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Operations Command (SpOC), and various DoD research centers, contractors, and commercial providers. The acquisition strategy utilizes Firm Fixed Price contracts and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for prototyping, emphasizing rapid development and deployment. The program's objectives are justified by the need for enhanced missile defense, persistent surveillance, and resilient space-based sensing to address evolving threats and support joint warfighting requirements.