In 2023, five satellites equipped with infrared sensors will be launched to detect missile launches, developed by L3Harris under a Pentagon contract. This development has been covered by space news outlets.
According to the reporting, four of the satellites will serve the Space Development Agency (SDA) and one will be allocated to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). L3Harris has also outlined plans to build an additional 14 similar satellites by 2025, signaling a broader push to expand space-based sensing and tracking capabilities.
The SDA is building a substantial constellation intended to host communications and tracking satellites focused on ballistic and hypersonic missiles, including the most advanced systems from rivals such as China and Russia. To advance this effort, the SDA signed two contracts in October 2020 with SpaceX for 149 million dollars and with L3Harris for 193.5 million dollars.
The first phase of the constellation is slated to include two SpaceX satellites, which were scheduled to enter orbit in September 2022. The second phase, planned for March 2023, anticipates the deployment of four L3Harris satellites and a number of other satellites manufactured by Lockheed Martin and York Space.
Another L3Harris satellite is being developed under a 121 million dollar contract with the MDA as part of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program. This initiative involves launching two prototypes from L3Harris and Northrop Grumman to test the sensors’ ability to track the hypersonic flight path and the low-visibility stages of ballistic missiles in flight.
There were comments from a former U.S. Space Force commander about how states are supporting Ukrainian forces through satellite communications provided by Starlink, a network owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Starlink’s high-speed internet services, deployed roughly 130 miles above the battlefield, help maintain communication between frontline troops and their command structures.
Further statements from officials last year raised questions about SpaceX’s role in military space systems. Dmitry Rogozin, then head of Roscosmos, asserted that Elon Musk had long been involved in military space projects and that SpaceX functions as a Pentagon contractor, reflecting ongoing debates about private-sector involvement in national security space activities.