BAE Systems has secured a $1.2 billion contract from the U.S. Space Systems Command to deliver advanced missile tracking satellite capabilities to the U.S. Space Force.
As the lead contractor for the Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking (RMWT) – Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Epoch 2 program, BAE Systems will design and build 10 satellites. The agreement includes a four-year timeline for spacecraft delivery, followed by five years of operations and support.
This initiative aims to provide robust, space-based detection and tracking of ballistic missiles and sophisticated threats, such as hypersonic glide vehicles.
In addition to building the satellites, BAE Systems will develop the ground system that manages the satellite network. This includes delivering solutions for mission management, command and control (C2), and mission operations to improve efficiency and coordination.
“This effort builds on our ability to deliver affordable, integrated satellite defense systems that combine payload and bus manufacturing with ground operations and support,” said Thai Sheridan, Vice President and General Manager of Military Space at BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. “Our approach brings all key components together as one team to ensure the success of missile warning and tracking missions.”
Each satellite will feature a sophisticated electro-optical/infrared sensor and communications payload, supported by advanced onboard data processing and inter-satellite data links. The payload will be integrated with the Trek bus—a variant of BAE Systems’ Elevation spacecraft line—offering greater flexibility, precise attitude control, and secure communications.
The program will enhance warfighter readiness by enabling continuous, real-time mission data delivery that integrates directly with operational missile defense systems.
This new contract builds on BAE Systems’ ongoing work with the Department of Defense and the Space Force to strengthen national security and increase the resilience of critical space infrastructure.
