BAE Systems Wins $1.2 Billion Contract to Build Missile-Tracking Satellites for U.S. Space Force

In a major step to enhance America’s space-based missile defense capabilities, BAE Systems has been awarded a $1.2 billion contract by the U.S. Space Force under the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (RMWT) – Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Epoch 2 program. This high-stakes project is part of ongoing efforts to build advanced satellite constellations that can track and detect modern missile threats, including hypersonic glide vehicles.

As the prime contractor, BAE Systems will design, build, and deliver ten state-of-the-art satellites over the next four years. Once launched, the company will also oversee five years of operations and support, ensuring the smooth functioning of the constellation. These satellites will play a vital role in identifying and tracking a wide range of missile threats from space, giving early warning to defense systems on Earth.

The new satellites will be fitted with powerful electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and secure communication payloads. They will also feature advanced onboard data processing capabilities and crosslink systems that allow satellites to share data with each other in real-time. These payloads will be mounted on the "Trek" bus variant of BAE’s Elevation spacecraft line—a flexible satellite platform that offers secure communications, accurate orientation controls, and seamless payload integration.

In addition to building the satellites, BAE Systems will also develop the supporting ground systems. This includes setting up advanced mission management software, command and control functions, and tools for day-to-day mission operations. The goal is to create a tightly integrated space-ground ecosystem that enables fast data processing and immediate relay of critical information to missile defense units.

Thai Sheridan, Vice President and General Manager of Military Space for BAE Systems’ Space & Mission Systems division, highlighted the company’s holistic approach. He emphasized how this program combines both satellite hardware and ground systems under a “one-team” model, which helps lower costs and improve coordination across all phases of the mission.

This contract adds to BAE Systems’ growing portfolio of defense space projects. Earlier this year, the company was also chosen to provide a new command-and-control system for the Space Force's Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program—another critical part of the U.S. military’s evolving space infrastructure.

With missile threats becoming more sophisticated and nations investing heavily in hypersonic technology, space-based surveillance is quickly becoming a front line in national defense. BAE Systems’ work under this contract will be a key component in building a more resilient and responsive missile warning network for the United States and its allies.