Raytheon will build seven satellites to track hypersonic missiles - project valued at $3.2bn

US defence contractor Raytheon will help the United States Space Forces develop a new hypersonic missile tracking system. The company has already received a quarter of a billion dollars to develop the satellites.

Here's What We Know

Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture wants to employ hundreds of satellites that will track hypersonic missile launches. The first batch is scheduled to be launched as early as the end of this month.

The US Air Force now uses spy planes and drones to track airborne targets. In the future they will be replaced by satellites that will be deployed in low Earth orbit.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has signed a contract with Raytheon to develop seven missile tracking satellites. The deal cost $250 million, but the entire project is valued at $3.2 billion, with implementation scheduled for fiscal 2024-2027.

Including Raytheon satellites, the total number of spacecraft will increase to 35 units. Northrop Grumman and L3Harris are also participating in the project. In July 2022 the agency signed a contract for the production of 28 satellites (14 each). In addition, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris were awarded $617 million and $700 million respectively for the creation of a spacecraft that will be commissioned in 2025.

Source: Defence News