American defense Raytheon will help the United States Space Force develop a new system
What is known
Proliferated Warfighter Space AgencyArchitecture wants to use hundreds of satellites to track hypersonic missile launches. The launch of the first batch is scheduled for the end of this month.
The US Air Force now usesreconnaissance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles for tracking air targets. In the future, they will be replaced by satellites that will be deployed in low Earth orbit.
Space Development Agency (SDA) signedcontract with Raytheon for the development of seven spacecraft to track missiles. The deal was valued at $250 million, but the entire project is valued at $3.2 billion, with implementation scheduled for fiscal 2024-2027.
Including Raytheon satellites, the total numberspacecraft will increase to 35 units. Northrop Grumman and L3Harris are also participating in the project. In July 2022, the agency signed a contract for the production of 28 satellites (14 each). In addition, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris received $617 million and $700 million, respectively, to build the spacecraft, which will enter service in 2025.