The Missile Defence Agency (MDA) and the Space Development Agency (SDA) will launch six satellites into Earth orbit. They will track hypersonic and ballistic weapons.
What is known about satellites that will track hypersonic weapons
The launch is scheduled for February 15 from the Space Launch Complex at the Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will deliver the satellites into orbit.
According to the Missile Defence Agency director, Heath Collins, this will be a crucial moment for MDA as the US enters "a new phase of missile warning, tracking and protection".
The Missile Defence Agency, the Space Agency, and the US Space Force are collaborating to develop Hypersonic and Ballistic Space Tracking Sensor (HBTSS) satellites to provide the high-quality fire control data needed to defend against today's threats.
Specialists will test satellites in orbit for two years. In the coming weeks, engineers will conduct a series of tests and inspections to ensure the satellites integrate with the missile defense system and other mission components.
What is known about the launch of satellites by the US Space Force
The US Space Force's SDA previously deployed 23 Tranche 0 satellites into orbit in 2023, including transport-level and tracking satellites, from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The four Tracking Layer satellites to be launched with MDA's HBTSS were delivered by L3Harris Technologies and are the final satellites in the Tranche 0 program, bringing the orbital grouping to 27.
The United States Missile Defence Agency initiated the HBTSS program in 2018. In January 2021, MDA entered into other transaction agreements with L3Harris Technologies Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation.
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