Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

US Gives L3Harris, Sierra Space $1.75 B for 36 Tracking Satellites

7/14/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

SDA Funds Satellites

The U.S. Space Development Agency awarded $1.75 billion to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space for 36 missile-tracking satellites.
L3Harris received $955 million to produce 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 satellites.
Sierra Space secured up to $798 million to deliver 18 Horizon satellites for missile warning.
All 36 satellites will occupy four orbital planes of the Tracking Layer and launch by the end of 2028.

Summary

Sierra Space Secures

Sierra Space secured a $798 million contract after completing a $740 million Tranche 2 satellite order on time.
CEO Dan Jablonsky, who took leadership in March, has made defense work a priority for the Louisville firm.
The AMDT3 satellites will be assembled at Sierra Space’s new Victory Works plant in Louisville, Kentucky.
Colorado will supply roughly one-third of the Tracking Layer satellites, expanding the Louisville production effort.

History

Historical Context

President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative in March 1983, beginning a missile-defense program that later produced the Defense Support Program satellites and the Brilliant Pebbles concept. After SDI ended in 1993, its sensor research reappeared in the 2019 Space Development Agency, leading to today’s $1.75 billion award to L3Harris and Sierra Space for 36 Tracking Layer satellites to address hypersonic threats.

1 of 3

SDA Funds Satellites

The U.S. Space Development Agency awarded $1.75 billion to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space for 36 missile-tracking satellites.
L3Harris received $955 million to produce 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 satellites.
Sierra Space secured up to $798 million to deliver 18 Horizon satellites for missile warning.
All 36 satellites will occupy four orbital planes of the Tracking Layer and launch by the end of 2028.

1 / 3