Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

The Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) program, managed under Program Element (PE) 1206447SF, is a United States Space Force initiative focused on developing and deploying advanced missile warning and tracking capabilities in Medium Earth Orbit. The program is executed by Space Systems Command and the Space Development Agency, in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency and other Department of Defense and Intelligence Community partners. Its primary objective is to transition from legacy missile warning architectures to a resilient, multi-orbit system capable of countering advanced missile threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles and fractional orbital bombardment systems.

The program is structured in multiple phases, known as Epochs, to incrementally deliver capability and maintain competitive acquisition practices. Epoch 1 centers on the design, build, integration, and launch of up to twelve space vehicles, with Millennium Space Systems as the sole space segment vendor following the termination of Raytheon due to underperformance. The goals for Epoch 1 include finalizing flight payloads and satellite buses, conducting space vehicle assembly and integration, and supporting launch and early orbit operations.

Ground segment efforts for Epoch 1 involve the development and integration of Mission Data Processing applications, command and control software, and the construction of ground entry point sites, notably at Schriever Space Force Base (CO), Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar), and Clear Space Force Station (AK).

Ground Operations and Integration are critical to the program's objectives, ensuring the seamless command, control, and data processing required for missile warning and tracking. Contractors such as Parsons and Northrop Grumman are responsible for integrating ground systems at the Boulder Ground Innovation Facility (BGIF), delivering ground-based antennas for data uplink/downlink, and supporting launch rehearsals and early orbit test campaigns.

The ground segment also includes cyber security measures and the development of Hardware In the Loop test beds to validate sensor performance and system readiness.

Data Fusion and Sensor Validation are essential components of the program, with ongoing efforts to test, assess, and validate sensor performance both on the ground and in orbit. The integration of track data into operational warning and defense systems is facilitated through partnerships with programs such as Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE), Ballistic Missile Defense Overhead Persistent Infrared Architecture, and other multi-intelligence fusion initiatives. These activities ensure that the system delivers timely, accurate missile tracking data to support operational decision-making and threat response.

Epoch 2 expands on the initial capabilities by planning up to four launches to deliver additional planes of space vehicles, potentially increasing the constellation to 12-24 satellites by FY 2030. The objectives for Epoch 2 include achieving global missile tracking access, enhancing system resiliency, and integrating multiple vendors for both space and ground segments.

The acquisition strategy for Epoch 2 involves competitive awards, site surveys for new ground entry points, and the establishment of a backup Medium Earth Orbit Space Operations Center. The program leverages agile development and model-based systems engineering to facilitate integration and rapid response to emerging threats.

The Acquisition Strategy for both Epochs emphasizes competitive contracting, risk reduction through digital engineering, and alignment with validated requirements from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council. The program has transitioned to a Middle Tier Acquisition Rapid Prototyping pathway to accelerate delivery and fielding of capabilities. Continuous updates to software and hardware, as well as collaboration with commercial and international partners, are planned to ensure the system remains adaptable and effective in contested space environments.