REDONDO BEACH, CA, Jan 5, 2026 – Northrop Grumman has received a Tracking Layer of Tranche 3 (TRKT3) contract from the Space Development Agency (SDA) to deliver missile warning and tracking satellites. The satellites will support the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a low Earth orbit defense satellite network.
Northrop Grumman’s TRKT3 will:
- Accelerate the capability to provide global detection, warning and tracking of hypersonic weapons from launch through interception.
- Provide fire-control sensing data for interception.
- Deliver data to decision makers to act against hypersonic threats when integrated with the Transport Layer, PWSA’s mesh satellite communications network.
- Build on Tracking Layer capabilities of Tranche 1 (T1) and Tranche 2 (T2) with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage and increased integration.
- Capitalize on more than 30,000 sq. ft. of PWSA manufacturing space for the production and delivery of 18 satellites equipped with infrared sensors.
Brandon White, vice president and general manager of space-enabled multi-domain operations division at Northrop Grumman said: “Northrop Grumman’s contributions to both high and low altitude layers of our nation’s missile warning and tracking architecture help protect our nation from a wide range of threats. With our extensive history of fielding operational Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) satellites, we are poised to rapidly deliver the TRKT3 satellites to the SDA.”
Details on Program
The PWSA is SDA’s plan for a global satellite network in low Earth orbit. The TRKT3 expands missile tracking to address hypersonic threats that maneuver during flight and require infrared sensing and low-latency data. The tracking layer works with the transport layer, which delivers high-speed data to U.S. forces to combat threats operating worldwide.
Northrop Grumman is supplying satellites and ground systems for the tracking and transport layers of the constellation. The company plans to deliver 150 satellites across Tranches 1, 2, and 3 to enhance the capabilities of PWSA. The first group of Transport Layer Tranche 1 satellites is scheduled to launch in early 2026.
Source: Northrop Grumman
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is an American aerospace and defense technology company that provides systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Founded in 1994 through the acquisition of Grumman Corporation by Northrop Corporation, the company has a legacy in military and space technologies. Northrop Grumman serves various industries, primarily defense and government, supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and allied nations with mission-critical systems such as B-21 Raider bombers, Global Hawk unmanned systems, and missile defense technologies. It also plays a key role in cybersecurity and intelligence solutions. As of 2024, the company employs over 90,000 people worldwide. Headquartered in Falls Church, VA, Northrop Grumman has a global footprint with engineering and manufacturing facilities across the United States and international markets.