Raytheon and Millennium develop missile threat sensors for U.S. Space Force - system will operate from space using satellites
Raytheon and Millennium (a subsidiary of Boeing) have advanced the development of sensors that can track missile threats.
Here's What We Know
Against the backdrop of a growing threat from China and russia (not forgetting the DPRK, too), the U.S. Space Force launched the Missile Track Custody program. In 2021, the service signed contracts with Millennium Space Systems and Raytheon Technologies as part of the project. They will develop sensors installed on satellites to warn of missile attacks.
The cost of the contracts was kept secret. However, it is known that the U.S. Space Force in fiscal year 2023 will hold a tender to develop satellites that will track missile threats. For the reporting period, the service requested $135 million to achieve its goals.
Currently, U.S. Space Force satellites are either in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 22,000 miles (35,400 km) or in highly elliptical orbit, which is even higher. However, the service plans to put spacecraft in medium Earth orbit at an altitude of 1,200 to 2,000 miles (1,930 to 35,400 km).
In addition, the Space Development Agency plans to launch a constellation of a hundred satellites into low Earth orbit at altitudes up to 1,200 miles (1,930 km). If you listen carefully, you can hear the Chinese scientists starting to write a new article about the dangers of American satellites.
Source: Defense News