Under the SDA-2 task order, two launches will carry 18 Tranche 2 Tracking Layer space vehicles built by L3Harris, while one launch will deploy eight Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter satellites built by Millennium Space Systems. The F2 constellation is a low Earth orbit demonstration designed to provide advanced missile defence capabilities against complex targets.
The SDA-3 task order includes two launches for 18 additional Tranche 2 Tracking Layer satellites built by Lockheed Martin, while the NTO-5 task order supports an NRO mission set. SDA-2 launches are projected to begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, SDA-3 launches in the third quarter of fiscal year 2027, and NTO-5 launches in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 and the second quarter of fiscal year 2028.
“Our mission to deliver national defense capabilities to the joint force is achieved with each task order we award,” said USSF Colonel Matt Flahive, system program director for Launch Acquisition. “The task orders awarded in support of our mission partners, SDA and NRO, demonstrate the importance we have placed on being time efficient and cost conscious in our Phase 3 Lane 1 approach to reliably deliver space capability to the warfighter quicker and at the best value to the American taxpayer.”
Space Systems Command is responsible for acquiring, developing and delivering resilient space capabilities to counter emerging threats and protect national strategic advantage. It manages an annual space acquisition budget of $15.6 billion for the Department of War, working with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academia and allied nations.
