(Dec 23): The Space Development Agency awarded US$3.5 billion in contracts to four defence companies to provide a variety of missile tracking satellites for a low-earth orbit deployment, a significant investment in a part of President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome defence shield.
Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp, L3Harris Technologies Inc and Rocket Lab USA received contracts to supply the agency with a total of 72 satellites, according to an announcement of the third tranche of such orders.
The spacecraft are capable of providing missile warning and tracking to enhance America’s ability to spot and respond to potential hypersonic and ballistic missile threats.
Lockheed received a US$1.1 billion contract to provide 18 missile warning, tracking and defence space vehicles, while Northrop received US$764 million to supply 18 missile warning and tracking satellites. L3Harris won an US$843 million deal for 18 satellites.
California-based Rocket Lab, a relative newcomer, won an US$805 million contract to also provide 18 satellites, according to the SDA press announcement, their largest single award yet.
Uploaded by Arion Yeow
