Palm Bay-Based L3Harris Wins Major $919 Million Contract for Missile-Tracking Satellites

L3Harris Technologies: Leading Palm Bay's Aerospace Revolution

Jan 17, 2024

In a significant boost to Palm Bay's thriving aerospace sector, L3Harris Technologies, headquartered in our city, has been awarded a substantial $919 million contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA). This contract is a part of a larger $2.55 billion initiative, involving other major players like Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space, to enhance the United States' missile-tracking capabilities.

A high-tech digital illustration of futuristic \'L3Harris\' branded satellites orbiting Earth, featuring advanced infrared sensors for missile tracking. The satellites are sleek, modern, equipped with sophisticated technology. Earth is visible in the background, partly shrouded in darkness, symbolizing global reach and protection. The image conveys advanced technology and national defense, vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, a dynamic orbiting pose, viewed from an aerial angle. Created Using: ultra-detailed digital art, futuristic design, advanced digital rendering, vivid colors, dramatic contrast, dynamic lighting, high-resolution textures, glibatree prompt, crisp details --ar 16:9

The contract involves L3Harris designing and building 18 state-of-the-art infrared space vehicles for the SDA’s Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer program. This program is pivotal in providing near-global missile warning and tracking coverage, a crucial element for national security in the face of emerging hypersonic weapons that are faster, more unpredictable, and less detectable than their predecessors.

Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and CEO of L3Harris, expressed pride in the company's role, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and national security. He noted that L3Harris has already proven its capabilities by successfully developing four satellites for the SDA’s earlier Tranche 0 (T0) Tracking Layer program in under three years. These satellites, set for launch in early 2024, will work in tandem with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite, enhancing the Department of Defense’s ability to concurrently warn, track, and target advanced threats.

The new contract promises to propel L3Harris even further in its contributions to the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This program aims to create a robust constellation of satellites to protect against advanced missile threats. L3Harris's technology will also support preliminary fire control capabilities for the SDA’s PWSA, marking another step in the company's journey as a 'Trusted Disruptor' in the defense industry.

The Palm Bay community can take pride in L3Harris's role in bolstering national defense and the local economy. This contract not only reinforces L3Harris's position as a leader in the aerospace sector but also contributes to the economic growth and technological advancement of Palm Bay.

This ambitious project, scheduled for completion in 2027, positions Palm Bay at the forefront of national defense technology. It's a testament to the skill, innovation, and dedication of the local workforce driving our city's growing reputation as a hub for aerospace excellence.

This article is part of The Palm Bayer's ongoing coverage of local businesses and their impact on the community and national security.

Keywords: L3Harris Technologies, Palm Bay, missile-tracking satellites, Space Development Agency, national security, aerospace industry, hypersonic weapons, defense contract, infrared space vehicles, Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.