Eighteen Missile-Tracking Satellites To Carry Flight-Proven Infrared Sensors
Sierra Space Taps Leidos To Supply Sensing Payloads For Golden Dome Constellation
Sierra Space has selected Leidos to provide infrared sensing payloads for 18 satellites designed to detect and track missile threats as part of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome missile defense effort.
“AMDT3 will build upon proven technologies to accelerate global missile defense capability.”
Cindy Gruensfelder, Leidos
The satellites make up the Space Development Agency’s Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 Tracking Layer, which will use infrared sensors in low Earth orbit to spot and follow hypersonic and other advanced missiles. Sierra Space will integrate the Leidos payloads into the satellites and pair them with onboard signal-processing hardware. Leidos will also provide ground support equipment, mission expertise and sustainment work.
Leidos did not disclose the value or contract structure of the agreement with Sierra Space in its announcement.
“AMDT3 will build upon proven technologies to accelerate global missile defense capability,” said Cindy Gruensfelder, president of Leidos Defense. “Leidos has already demonstrated these technologies on orbit, and with Sierra Space, we will rapidly transition that proven capability into an operational missile defense constellation that will help protect the nation against advanced missile threats.”
The company said its sensing payloads combine infrared detection with digital signal processing performed onboard the satellite, which it said cuts the time needed to deliver tracking data to military users.
The award builds on earlier Space Development Agency work. Leidos said four Tranche 0 payloads have been operating on orbit since 2023, and the company is also supplying 14 missile warning and tracking sensors for Tranche 1 and 16 for Tranche 2, along with two dedicated missile defense sensors for Tranche 2.
Leidos, based in Reston, Virginia, reported annual revenue of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year that ended Jan. 2. The Space Development Agency has said it intends to keep expanding the tracking layer to broaden global coverage under the Golden Dome program.