BAE Systems Passed Design Review for Space Force Program
The company has cleared a critical milestone for a $1.2 billion missile tracking satellite constellation project.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Space
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BAE Systems has officially completed the critical design review for the U.S. Space Force Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2 program. The review marks the project's transition into the production stage.
Why it matters
The program creates a new space-based architecture for missile tracking, a vital component of national defense infrastructure. Completing the design phase now allows the contractor to move into the manufacturing of the satellite constellation.
The program tasks BAE Systems with the construction of 10 spacecraft and the development of the associated ground control system. This review was finalized 14 months after the company was initially awarded the contract.
The players
BAE Systems
A global aerospace and defense contractor that specializes in large-scale satellite manufacturing and ground systems.
U.S. Space Force
The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for military space operations and missile detection infrastructure.
The details
BAE Systems serves as the prime contractor for the Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2 system, which functions as a satellite network for missile tracking. The critical design review confirmed that the architecture meets all necessary performance, safety, and operational requirements. The company will now proceed to the manufacturing phase for the 10 satellites and the ground-based infrastructure needed to manage the constellation.
Timeline
July 2025: BAE Systems was awarded the contract.
September 21, 2026: The critical design review was completed.
The Tech Race
The U.S. Space Force Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2 program represents a modernization of the nation's missile defense capabilities. This design milestone signals the transition from initial planning into the physical construction phase of the constellation.
The program serves to enhance national security infrastructure, providing the military with advanced tracking data. As the project moves into production, the impact will remain focused on defense operations rather than consumer applications.
The takeaway
The program has cleared its formal review process and is now cleared for full-scale production of the satellite fleet. Observers should track upcoming milestones regarding the integration of the ground system with the first units of the 10-spacecraft constellation.
Further reading
For more developments in this sector, explore the Space archive.
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