BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems received a $1.2 billion contract to develop 10 Epoch 2 space vehicles for the U.S. Space Force.
Missile Tracking Program
Space Force field command unit Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded the deal in support of the military branch’s Resilient Missile Warning Tracking in Medium Earth Orbit (MWT MEO) program.
The MWT MEO program focuses on acquiring infrared sensing technology and incorporating it into a new satellite constellation that can identify and track various threats, including intercontinental and hypersonic missiles. The Space Force expects the Epoch 2 to help provide real-time, global tracking of hypersonic missiles. The first delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2029.
Cost-Efficient Satellites
SSC worked on the program with the Space Development Agency and Missile Defense Agency, which will reportedly enable the deployment of more lower-cost satellites in low and medium Earth orbits.
Following Epoch 1
SSC previously selected Boeing subsidiary Millennium Space Systems Inc. to develop Epoch 1 space vehicles. The unit awarded a $509 million deal in December 2023 for six satellites and followed with a $386 million contract in October 2024 for six more. The Space Force expects to launch Epoch 1 in late 2026.
Image credit: BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems
