The US Space Force has formally approved the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), developed by L3Harris, for operational use.
The system will replace the aging Space Defense Operations Center, in service for more than three decades.
ATLAS will provide updated tools for monitoring activity in orbit, supporting decision-making, and maintaining secure communications and data processing links.
The decision followed an evaluation of the system’s performance and readiness, confirming it is prepared for full deployment in space operations centers.
As one of the first programs to follow new development pathways, ATLAS reflects a change in the Department of Defense’s software acquisition methods.
The Space Force Program Executive Office for Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence is responsible for managing ATLAS throughout its lifecycle.
Additionally, the system will be operated and maintained by the Space Operations Command’s Mission Delta 2, which will also oversee future upgrades.
“ATLAS operational acceptance is a revolutionary leap forward for our warfighters, providing a decisive advantage in Space Domain Awareness,” said US Space Force Lt. Col. Amber Johnson, 2nd Sustainment Squadron commander under Space Operations Command’s Mission Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness.
“This achievement, driven by agile development, delivers a force multiplier that significantly enhances our ability to detect and respond to emerging threats rapidly, ensuring continued space superiority.
L3Harris ATLAS Contracts
L3Harris is a key partner in US efforts to reinforce space domain security and strengthen command and control capabilities.
In March, the US Space Force awarded L3Harris a $90-million contract extension to continue modernizing ATLAS.
The effort builds on a $49.7-million agreement signed in 2022 and focuses on integrating advanced astrometric tools to enhance space command and control capabilities.
