### U.S. Space Force Awards $1.2 Billion Contract to BAE Systems for Missile-Tracking Satellites

The U.S. Space Force has entered a $1.2 billion agreement with BAE Systems for the creation of 10 missile-tracking satellites. This significant investment marks the second phase of the Resilient Missile Warning Tracking (MWT) program, known as Epoch 2, which aims to bolster missile detection capabilities in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).

Awarded to BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems on May 29, the contract operates under a firm fixed-price Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement. BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems, a branch based in Broomfield, Colorado, was formerly known as Ball Aerospace until its acquisition by BAE Systems in 2024.

The Epoch 2 initiative relies on BAE Systems' expertise to develop satellites designed to address a variety of missile threats. These include high-profile intercontinental ballistic missiles and the more elusive hypersonic missiles. Such capabilities will integrate with the broader national missile defense framework, enhancing the resiliency of the existing warning and tracking systems.

According to Lt. Col. Brandon Castillo of the Epoch 2 program office, integrating these advanced satellites into the national defense architecture significantly strengthens the robustness of the missile warning and tracking infrastructure.

Scheduled for initial delivery in the fiscal year 2029, these MEO satellites are expected to provide a balance of broader coverage, higher resolution, and reduced signal delay. This development follows the Epoch 1 program, managed by Millennium Space Systems, which aims to launch its initial 12 satellites between late 2026 and 2027.

The Space Systems Command continues to collaborate with the Space Development Agency and the Missile Defense Agency to introduce cost-effective satellites across both low and Medium Earth Orbits. This effort traces back to the multi-orbit layered missile defense architecture initiated by the Trump administration under the Golden Dome initiative.

With Medium Earth Orbit ranging from 2,000 to 35,786 kilometers above Earth, these satellites will offer enhanced surveillance capabilities over their low and geostationary counterparts. By improving the nation's early warning and defense mechanisms, the Space Force takes a pivotal step toward addressing evolving missile threats.