BAE Systems has completed the Preliminary Design Review for a U.S. Space Force programme to develop a constellation of missile warning and tracking satellites in medium Earth orbit.
The milestone relates to the Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking – Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Epoch 2 programme, overseen by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command. The effort aims to provide space-based detection and tracking of ballistic missiles and advanced threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles.
According to BAE Systems, the preliminary design phase established the technical foundation for both the satellite constellation and its associated ground command and control systems. The company said the review was completed in less than nine months following contract award.
BAE Systems is serving as prime contractor on the programme and will design and build ten spacecraft for the MEO Epoch 2 mission. The company will also develop the associated ground segment responsible for mission management, command and control and operational support for the satellite network. The system is expected to deliver persistent missile warning and tracking capabilities from medium Earth orbit, according to the company.
Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of Military Space for BAE Systems, said the design review marked a key stage in the programme.
“We have achieved a successful Preliminary Design Review with Space Force’s Space Systems Command, based on our collective use of digital modelling and simulation that validates the implementation of our plan,” Sheridan said.
“BAE Systems is leading this integrated program from a mission planning level, payload and bus delivery, to launch, ground and operations support.”
According to the company, the design process drew on model-based systems engineering and high technology readiness level components, including its TREK satellite bus and infrared payload heritage.
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