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L3Harris completes CDR for SDA satellite radios

L3Harris Technologies has reached a major milestone in the company’s mission to provide the Space Development Agency (SDA) with space-based capabilities that enhance U.S. national security.

The company conducted a Critical Design Review for 45 mission payload (MPL) radios and 40 CXK-1000 radios they are designing, developing and producing in support of Lockheed Martin Space’s Tranche 2 (T2) Transport Layer Beta contract with the SDA.

The MPL radios will handle and process warfighting data supporting Integrated Broadcast System-Low Earth Orbit (IBS-L) and tactical satellite communication users, while the CXK-1000 radios will enable Ka-band communication, which enables the transmission of data to and from the satellites.

T2 Transport Layer Beta is one of several key activities L3Harris is working in support of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a resilient, layered network of military satellites in LEO.

Other L3Harris activity completed and underway for other SDA programs includes:

  • Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer: In early 2024, four missile-tracking satellites designed and built by L3Harris launched into orbit as part of the SDA’s T0 program. SDA’s Tracking Layer will demonstrate global indications, warning, tracking and targeting of advanced threats such as hypersonic missiles.
  • Tranche 1 (T1) Tracking Layer: L3Harris is designing and building 16 missile-tracking satellites as part of the T1 constellation, slated to launch in 2025. The satellites feature infrared sensors and advanced algorithms that rapidly detect, track and fuse threat data that is provided to the warfighter in real time.
  • Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer: In early 2024, the SDA awarded L3Harris a $919 million contract to develop 18 infrared space vehicles for the T2 Tracking Layer program, which will provide near-global missile warning and tracking coverage.

“L3Harris is proud to be a leading partner to the Space Development Agency in the rapid development of missile warning and missile defense technologies in support of national security,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “We’re able to leverage our extensive experience and innovative approach to continuously refine and enhance capabilities across each tranche, accelerating the launch of mission systems into orbit on faster timelines.”