Summary
- US Space Force seeking proposals for Epoch 2 of its missile tracking program.
- Up to 18 satellites to launch into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to enhance US defense capabilities.
- Multilayered strategy involves integrating LEO, MEO, and GEO satellites for comprehensive missile threat coverage.
The US Space Force (USSF) is pushing forward with the next phase of its Missile Track Custody (MTC) satellite missile defense program. A request for proposals (RFP) has been opened for prototype designs under Missile Track Custody Epoch 2.
Space Force seeks satellite missile tracking proposals
As detailed on the US government’s System for Award Management (SAM) website, the USSF is seeking proposals for its next constellation of missile tracking satellites. Under the Epoch 2 phase, it will launch up to 18 satellites, adding to the nine already provisioned under Epoch 1.
Photo: Space Systems Command
The program will deploy satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to bolster its missile warning and tracking capabilities, particularly hypersonic missiles that are difficult to track using conventional systems. According to SAM.gov,
“Epoch 2 vendors will build upon Epoch 1 to provide the nation with much-needed global tracking access capability to counter threats, including advanced hypersonic missiles.”
With a budget of approximately $6 billion for the 18 satellites, the DAF will select two vendors following the development of prototype designs. Parties will have until October 11th to submit their full proposals, with launches currently penciled in for the late 2020s. One of the key requirements of Epoch 2 is optical crosslink capability for faster transmission of data, as well as enhanced onboard processing.
Photo: Space Systems Command
The Epoch 1 contract was granted to Millennium Space Systems (a Boeing subsidiary) and RTX (formerly Raytheon) – however, in June, the latter would have its contract to build three of the nine satellites terminated due to rising costs and schedule setbacks.
Epoch 1 is currently scheduled to launch beginning in the end of 2026, with plans to have at least four satellites in orbit by 2028. With the completion of Epoch 2, the US will have up to 27 satellites that will give it comprehensive coverage of the globe.
Multilayered defense
The Missile Track Custody Epoch 2 is intended to integrate into a multilayered “space architecture” consisting of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), MEO and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites to ensure complete coverage of emerging missile threats.
- Low Earth Orbit: Altitudes between 160 km and 2,000 km
- Medium Earth Orbit: Altitudes between 2,000 km and 35,786 km
- Geosynchronous Earth Orbit: Altitudes of around 35,786 km
The constellation is being built under a “spiral development” philosophy, which will add new satellites every two or three years to ensure capabilities are always up to date with the latest technology. An Epoch 3 is planned sometime in the 2030s and will replace the satellites delivered in Epoch 1.
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