MDA Space selected by BAE Systems for U.S. missile-warning satellite constellation

Epoch 2 is intended to provide warning and tracking of advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. MDA Space will design and build antennas and antenna control electronics for the MEO Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking satellites being produced by BAE Systems.

Key Highlights

  • MDA Space was selected to supply antennas and electronics for the U.S. Space Force's MEO missile-warning satellites under the Epoch 2 program.
  • The project aims to enhance global missile warning and tracking capabilities with a planned constellation of 10 satellites, complementing existing systems.
  • The development process emphasizes rapid design and deployment, with preliminary design review completed just nine months after contract award.

TORONTO - MDA Space Ltd. in Toronto has been selected by BAE Systems Inc. in Falls Church, Va., to provide antennas and antenna control electronics for the U.S. Space Force's Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) missile-warning satellite constellation under the Space Systems Command (SSC) Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) Epoch 2 program.

A key component of the U.S. military's multi-orbit missile defense architecture, Epoch 2 is intended to provide warning and tracking of advanced ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. MDA Space will design and build antennas and antenna control electronics for the MEO Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking satellites being produced by BAE Systems.

The award extends MDA Space's work on several U.S. military space programs, including the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Tranche 0, 1, and 2 Transport and Tracking layers, as well as SSC's Epoch 1 constellation, for multiple prime contractors.

Related: MDA Space demonstrates Ka-band direct radiating array with digital beamforming

"Being tapped by BAE Systems for the SSC's missile warning satellite constellation affirms our capabilities in delivering reliable satellite solutions for critical defense missions," said Mike Greenley, CEO of MDA Space. "As governments worldwide boost their national security spending and invest in the space domain, our robust product portfolio, expertise, and advanced high-volume production infrastructure set MDA Space apart to meet the growing demand and keep our partners safe today and into the future."

The contract was added to MDA Space's backlog during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, and work is expected to be completed in 2027.

Constellation plans

The award comes as SSC's System Delta 84 advances development of the MWT Epoch 2 constellation. The program recently completed a preliminary design review for the planned constellation of 10 satellites in MEO, which is designed to complement the 12-satellite Epoch 1 constellation and improve global missile warning and tracking coverage.

"In today's world, speed and innovation are essential to our national defense," said Lt. Col. Brandon Castillo, SYD 84 Epoch 2 system program manager. "Our team is delivering to outpace the threat. This expanded constellation will provide the global coverage needed to protect our Nation, service members, Allies, and partners from the most advanced missiles."

SSC officials said the preliminary design review was completed only nine months after the Epoch 2 contract award in May 2025, reflecting the program's emphasis on rapid acquisition and deployment.

Related: BAE Systems to help defend military artificial intelligence (AI) from data poisoning and cyber attack

"This milestone was achieved by a talented and dedicated team working in close collaboration," said 1st Lt. Sabrina Taylor, SYD 84 Epoch 2 chief systems engineer. "Using advanced digital tools allowed us to ensure the design is sound and ready for the next phase, which is the Critical Design Review planned for this summer. Collectively, we are demonstrating we can move quickly while maintaining technical excellence."

Program officials said that the use of digital engineering methods and mature technologies has enabled the government-industry team to accelerate development while preparing the constellation for the next phase of design and integration.

About the Author

Jamie Whitney

Senior Editor

Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics in 2018 and oversees editorial content and produces news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attends industry events, produces Webcasts, and oversees print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics.

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