Derrick Henry
The Space Systems Command has issued a solicitation for designs of a planned U.S. Space Force network of missile-tracking satellites in medium Earth orbit.
According to a Friday notice on SAM.gov, the command seeks prototype proposals for the Missile Track Custody Epoch 2 program to develop a global tracking system capable of countering advanced hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
The prototype must demonstrate an ability to integrate with an enterprise that receives taskings from the Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Planning Center, execute the taskings and deliver missile tracks back to the enterprise, the notice said.
The effort will allow the USSF to test and explore new capabilities for the program before moving forward to the technologies’ production phase.
Following the prototyping stage, the government intends to select up to two partners to work on the MEO missile warning and tracking project, which will serve as a key component of the Department of Defense’s multi-orbit missile defense architecture.
To advance the missile defense program, the Space Force has allocated around $6 billion to develop and acquire 18 satellites, which would be optically cross-linked for continuous surveillance and tracking of missile threats.
