General Atomics Awarded Lockheed Martin Contract for Missile Tracking Technologies

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced its selection by Lockheed Martin Space for delivering advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense payloads. This collaboration is part of Lockheed Martin's contract with the Space Development Agency (SDA) for 18 satellites within the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer Program. GA-EMS will develop Electro Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) sensor systems, including 16 Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) and two Fire Control/Missile Defense (FC/MD) infrared payloads for 2027 satellite integration.

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, expressed pride in contributing to Lockheed Martin's initiative, emphasizing the significance of their payloads in enhancing military capabilities against advanced missile threats, including hypersonic systems. The payloads, featuring on-orbit mission data processing for real-time missile tracking, will be part of the satellites launched into low Earth orbit (LEO). They aim to bolster the SDA's space architecture with persistent, global missile detection.

Dr. Steven Wein, senior director at GA-EMS, highlighted the team's expertise in deploying EO/IR sensor systems crucial for next-generation missile tracking. Their commitment to innovation and rapid delivery of cost-effective solutions is poised to strengthen national security. GA-EMS continues to expand its surveillance and sensing portfolio, including contributions to the U.S. Space Force's EO/IR Weather System (EWS) satellite program.