BAE Systems rendering of an Epoch 2 program spacecraft. (Credit: BAE Systems)

U.S. Space Systems Command selected BAE Systems to serve as the prime contractor for its Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking (RMWT) – Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Epoch 2 program under a $1.2 billion contract. BAE Systems confirmed the June 5th contract award, putting it on track to provide the U.S. Space Force with satellite warning and tracking capabilities targeting ballistic missiles and advanced threats, such as hypersonic glide vehicles.

As the RMWT prime contractor, BAE Systems will design and build a 10-spacecraft constellation, with delivery due in 2029. The company will also develop the ground system that will manage the satellite constellation by delivering mission management, command and control (C2) and mission operations solutions. Following delivery, BAE will provide and five additional years of operations and support to U.S. Space Force.

The satellites in the constellation will feature advanced onboard data processing and data crosslinks, a highly capable electro-optical/infrared sensor, and a communication payload. BAE will use a Trek bus variant of its Elevation spacecraft product line, which supports continuous delivery of mission data that integrates with operational missile defense systems.

“This effort builds on our capabilities to facilitate low cost, integrated satellite defense programs that bring together payload and bus builds, while managing ground support, operations and sustainment. Our system enables close coordination through a ‘one-team’ approach across capabilities that are critical for missile warning and tracking success,” said Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of Military Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems.