Missile detection satellite designed by BAE Systems passes early review
Summary
Space Force advances its medium Earth orbit sensor layer for hypersonic tracking, with BAE Systems' missile detection satellite successfully passing an early review. This development marks a significant step in enhancing national security capabilities.
Key Insights
What is medium Earth orbit (MEO) and why is it used for missile detection satellites?
Medium Earth orbit (MEO) ranges from 2,000 kilometers up to geostationary orbit altitudes. It requires fewer satellites—between six and about 60—for global coverage compared to low Earth orbit, making it suitable for tracking hypersonic missiles with resilient architecture.[2][4]
What does passing the preliminary design review mean for this satellite program?
The preliminary design review (PDR) confirms the satellite design is sound and mature enough to proceed to the critical design review phase, marking a shift to more detailed system development for BAE Systems' 10-satellite Epoch 2 MEO constellation.[4]
Sources:
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