SDA Awards Four Contracts Worth $3.5B for Next-Gen Missile Tracking Satellites

December 19, 2025

2 min read

Space Development Agency Lands Large OTA Awards for Tranche 3 Constellation

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.

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Companies Mentioned

Lockheed Martin Rocket Lab USA Northrop Grumman L3Harris Technologies

Topics

Space Development Agency Tracking Layer missile tracking satellite defense contract

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Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2025-1766167448245-1547

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/12/space-development-agency-awards-four-contracts-worth-3-5b-for-next-gen-missile-tracking-satellites/

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SDA Awards Four Contracts Worth $3.5B for Next-Gen Missile Tracking Satellites

December 19, 2025

2 min read

Space Development Agency Lands Large OTA Awards for Tranche 3 Constellation

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.

Key Takeaways

Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Strategic Implications

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Companies Mentioned

Lockheed Martin Rocket Lab USA Northrop Grumman L3Harris Technologies

Topics

Space Development Agency Tracking Layer missile tracking satellite defense contract

Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2025-1766167448245-1547

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/12/space-development-agency-awards-four-contracts-worth-3-5b-for-next-gen-missile-tracking-satellites/