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Space Force’s Epoch 2 Missile-Tracking Constellation Clears Preliminary Design Review

A summer critical design review is planned to keep the medium-orbit expansion on track for broader hypersonic detection.

Image of a missile warning and tracking satellite. Image: BAE Systems

Overview

  • Space Systems Command said March 9 that BAE’s 10-satellite design satisfied preliminary requirements for the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program.
  • BAE Systems holds a $1.2 billion May 2025 award to build the Epoch 2 medium Earth orbit addition for global tracking of advanced and hypersonic missiles.
  • The satellites will use infrared sensors to detect launches and will relay tracking data to missile defense systems and command networks.
  • Epoch 2 augments a layered architecture that pairs medium orbit coverage with low and geosynchronous constellations for complementary sensing.
  • Epoch 1 consists of 12 satellites targeting an initial fiscal 2027 launch, following a 2024 RTX contract cancellation and added funding for Millennium Space Systems.