Maxar wraps up Design Review for SDA's missile tracking system

Maxar wraps up Design Review for SDA's missile tracking system
by Brad Bartz
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 26, 2023

Maxar Technologies, a leading provider of integrated space solutions and accurate geospatial intelligence, has achieved an important milestone. The company recently wrapped up the first Critical Design Review (CDR) of the Maxar 300 series bus, a product developed in conjunction with L3Harris Technologies, for the Space Development Agency's Tranche 1 Tracking Layer (T1TRK) program.

The T1TRK program is an ambitious venture, aimed at delivering global missile threat warning and tracking capabilities. This includes the detection of both conventional and state-of-the-art hypersonic missile systems, marking a significant step towards enhanced global security.

The Maxar 300 series bus, the first of its kind, is constructed with the intention of housing eight or more space vehicles per launch. This highly specialized platform offers the demanding low jitter and high power that are crucial for the successful execution of a missile defense mission.

Chris Johnson, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Space at Maxar, said about the design, "The Maxar 300 series platform is conceived to be swiftly scalable. We've wrapped up the CDR in just ten months from receiving the award, and we're on track to kickstart production of our platforms later this year. Initial deliveries are slated for early 2024. Our customers require a blend of speed and agility, without compromising on the quality of the technical product. This is exactly what Maxar's commercial experience brings to the table."

The extensive review scrutinized all key components of the new system, including structural design, power, attitude control, and command and data handling. Maxar is set to construct 16 platforms for the T1TRK program. Each platform has been designed to be about the width of a conventional oven. The compact dimensions aid the SDA in its pursuit of a considerable decrease in size, weight, power, and cost compared to traditional missile detection satellites. Moreover, Maxar's long-standing commercial communications satellite experience will be adapted and expanded for new applications as part of the SDA mission.

The Maxar 300 buses, designed, engineered, and constructed in-house in California, are modular platforms. They draw upon Maxar's extensive industry experience, which includes the production of more than 90 spacecraft for low Earth orbit. The platform, as well as Maxar's production capacity, are both scalable, capable of accommodating multiple missions with flexible production rates that meet delivery timelines.