In an exciting development for the U.S. Space Force, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Space Development Agency (SDA) are gearing up to launch six satellites into low-Earth orbit on February 14th. The satellites will be launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space, utilizing SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

This launch includes two satellites for MDA's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program and the final four satellites of SDA's Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer satellites, which are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The satellites were developed through MDA's HBTSS demonstration program, and they are expected to provide enhanced missile defense capability by detecting hypersonic, ballistic, and other advanced threats earlier than terrestrial radars.

The four Tracking Layer satellites that will be launched alongside MDA's HBTSS were delivered by L3Harris Technologies and mark the conclusion of the Tranche 0 program, bringing the total on-orbit constellation to 27. SDA had previously deployed 23 Tranche 0 satellites on-orbit in 2023, including the Transport and Tracking Layer satellites, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The HBTSS program was initiated by MDA back in 2018. In January 2021, MDA awarded Other Transaction Agreements to L3Harris Technologies Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation to support the development of the system. The upcoming launch of these two prototype systems will be followed by two years of on-orbit testing.

Leading up to the launch, MDA and SDA engineers will conduct a series of tests and checkout procedures to ensure that the satellites are functioning properly and integrating effectively with the Missile Defense System and other mission areas. MDA plans to release a follow-up announcement to verify the launch outcome as soon as possible, along with photographs and videos documenting the event.

This launch represents another significant step forward in bolstering the nation's missile defense capabilities and space architecture. As the six satellites make their way to low-Earth orbit, MDA and SDA are eager to gather valuable data and insights that will inform future developments and enhance the nation's security in the face of advanced threats.