Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris to Develop Tracking Layer Constellation

The Space Development Agency has awarded four new contracts worth $3.5 billion for 72 new satellites to develop the Tracking Layer constellation. The contracts were awarded to teams led by Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab USA, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies. The new satellites will provide missile warning and tracking capabilities, with half supporting advanced missile defense missions. The first satellite is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2029. This investment was first reported by Breaking Defense.