The Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2 constellation will track ballistic missiles and advanced threats. Those threats include hypersonic glide vehicles.
The program is part of the Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking architecture. Space Systems Command manages the project.
The review confirmed that the design meets operational, performance and safety requirements. BAE Systems completed the process on schedule, 14 months after receiving the award.
“Digital modelling and simulation, based on early collaboration and ongoing communication with the customer, helped us to achieve this successful Critical Design Review quickly,” said Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of Military Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems.
“We’re now able to fully engage our vertically integrated production capabilities as we guide the program with mission planning, payload and bus delivery, and operational command and control capabilities.”
BAE Systems is the program’s prime contractor and will design and build all 10 spacecraft. It will also develop the ground system used to manage the constellation.
The ground segment will provide mission management, command and control, and mission operations. These capabilities are intended to improve operational efficiency.
BAE Systems secured long-lead procurements during the past year to support the accelerated schedule. The company also began early production of program components during detailed design work.
The design uses the company’s TREK spacecraft bus and infrared optical payload expertise. BAE Systems also applied model-based systems engineering and experience from earlier spacecraft production.
