The Space Development Agency (SDA) announced four new contracts worth $3.5 billion for 72 new satellites as part of the Tranche 3 constellation. The Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards went to teams led by Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab USA, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies. According to Breaking Defense, the Tranche 3 constellation will include a mix of missile warning and tracking capabilities, with half the constellation’s payloads supporting advanced missile defense missions. The new satellites are expected to launch in fiscal year 2029 and bring near-continuous global coverage for missile warning and tracking.