The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC), through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle, has awarded L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) approximately $29 million for a sensor payload design contract to deliver a digital model for the MEO – Missile Track Custody (MTC) Epoch 1 program that will support the detection and tracking of hypersonic missiles.
To inform the Space Force’s future missile warning and tracking constellation, L3Harris will conduct an infrared sensor payload critical design phase that will support realistic cost, schedule and performance predictions.
The L3Harris MEO-MTC contract will conclude its critical design review phase in May 2024. The work will be performed at the company’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Melbourne, Florida, facilities.
“L3Harris is proud to be an integral part of the Space Force Space Systems Command’s Missile Track Custody program, which will provide groundbreaking missile warning and tracking capabilities that are at the forefront of our national defense. We are committed to leveraging our extensive work within our nation’s integrated missile defense architecture to provide resilient, low-risk and affordable solutions for both Epoch 1 and future Epochs.” — Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris
“I’m very excited the next generation of Space Force missile tracking satellites will be built right here in Fort Wayne. These satellites are crucial to defending our homeland and a great example of the groundbreaking innovation going on in Northeast Indiana. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to have helped secure this investment that will support hundreds of high-paying jobs in our region.” — Congressman Jim Banks, who represents Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District where L3Harris’ Fort Wayne facility is located.