Sierra Space Strengthens National Security with SDA Satellite Project

On November 12, Sierra Space announced a significant achievement in collaboration with the Space Development Agency (SDA), completing the Preliminary Design Review on a major satellite project focused on missile tracking and defense. This $740 million contract, signed on January 2024, mandates the company to design, produce, and manage 18 specialized satellites, with 16 dedicated to missile tracking and warning, and two tailored for defense and fire control.

These satellites will be part of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), specifically within the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer (T2TL), an element of the Department of Defense’s Low Earth Orbit network. This network is being developed to detect and track modern missile threats, such as hypersonic missiles, more rapidly and precisely than conventional systems allow.

Sensors and innovation

Sierra Space produces a wide range of qualified sensors to support its current programs, such as pressure sensors, smoke detectors, and carbon dioxide sensors. Thanks to their integrated fire-control quality sensors, these satellites are expected to improve real-time detection, tracking, and response capabilities for conventional and emerging missile threats.

Moreover, Sierra Space has partnered with GEOST, a LightRidge Solutions Company, to supply two configurations of optical sensor payloads for the satellites, known in the market for their cost-effective and power-efficient designs.

Sierra Space’s CEO, Tom Vice, highlighted the company’s efforts to leverage investment in satellite technologies to deliver this large-scale project on time. To ensure timely delivery, the SDA has also included a $20 million incentive for meeting project deadlines.

“In response to the evolving threat environment, we are reorganizing our commercial capability to focus on revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base through innovative satellite systems and spacecraft technology. Our company is focused on high-velocity innovation to support an entirely new era in National Security Space”

— Tom Vice, CEO at Sierra Space

A look into the future

Sierra Space’s recent achievement with the SDA is just one piece of its broader vision for the future. With the anticipated launches of the Dream Chaser spaceplane and LIFE habitat, the company is building a diversified presence in the space sector, blending government-led defense initiatives with commercial opportunities, including space tourism. Beyond its role in the SDA’s missile tracking and warning efforts, Sierra Space foresees its habitats and spaceplanes becoming essential elements of orbital infrastructure.

Working alongside Blue Origin and additional collaborators, Sierra Space is also developing Orbital Reef, a commercially owned space station designed to foster research, manufacturing, and tourism innovation. Orbital Reef aims to create a sustainable space environment supporting commercial and defense-related ventures.

^{*Cover image credits: Sierra Space/SDA}