WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force has begun a new phase in its missile defense satellite program. On Aug. 9, Space Systems Command released a reportRequest for Prototype Proposals”inviting vendors to submit designs for the satellites known as Missile Track Custody Epoch 2, which marks the second phase of the Space Force’s program to develop a missile tracking network in medium Earth orbit (MEO).
The Epoch 2 program builds on the foundation laid by Epoch 1, the first version of the MEO missile warning and tracking constellation. Built by Millennium Space Systems scheduled for launch in late 2026 or early 2027. Raytheon had been selected to build three Epoch 1 satellites, but His contract was terminated due to cost and schedule issues.
The Space Force is seeking prototype proposals for Epoch 2 to test and explore new technologies before moving into full-scale production.
The Missile Track Custody program is expected to be a significant investment, with the Space Force planning to budget approximately $6 billion over the 2025-2029 period for the development and acquisition of up to 18 satellites. These satellites will be optically interconnected to ensure continuous surveillance and tracking of missile threats.
Missile tracking satellites are designed to detect and monitor the launch and flight path of potential threats. These satellites use advanced sensors to identify the thermal signatures of missile launches and track their trajectories, providing early warning and targeting data to defense systems.
Space Force officials said MEO satellites provide advantages over sensors in both lower orbits and geostationary orbits for persistent tracking of next-generation threats, such as hypersonic glide vehicles, which pose unique challenges due to their speed, maneuverability and weak heat signatures.
The MEO satellite constellation is designed to be a component of the Department of Defense. Multi-orbit missile defense architectureThis layered approach includes a low-Earth orbit tier of proliferated tracking satellites, as well as geostationary and highly elliptical orbit satellites that provide persistent coverage.
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