Northrop Grumman to Expand US Missile-Tracking Satellite Network
Northrop Grumman has secured a contract from the US Space Development Agency to support the third deployment phase of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) missile-tracking satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit.
The PWSA program is designed to enhance global missile detection and tracking from space.
Under the effort, known as Tracking Layer Tranche 3, the company will deliver a constellation of satellites capable of detecting and tracking advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons.
The architecture relies on a mesh of interconnected satellites to ensure continuous coverage and rapid data sharing.
Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will produce and deliver 18 satellites equipped with infrared sensors, using dedicated manufacturing space allocated for PWSA satellite production to support delivery at scale.
Tracking Layer Tranche 3 will provide early warning from the initial phases of launch through potential interception, while supplying high-accuracy tracking data suitable for fire-control applications to support interceptor engagements.
The tracking layer operates in close coordination with the transport layer, which provides low-latency communications to transmit tracking data to forces operating worldwide.
Next-Gen Constellation
Building on capabilities fielded in earlier tranches, Tranche 3 incorporates targeted technology upgrades, broader geographic coverage, and tighter integration across the architecture.
For the PWSA initiative, Northrop Grumman is supplying both satellites and ground systems for the tracking and transport layers.
Across Tranches 1, 2, and 3, the company is expected to deliver a total of 150 satellites, with the first group of Transport Layer satellites from Tranche 1 scheduled for launch in early 2026.
