Maxar Space Systems, leading satellite manufacturer and provider of advanced solutions for space exploration and operations, announced it has delivered the first of 16 spacecraft buses to L3Harris Technologies to support the Space Development Agency (SDA)’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer program. 

Leveraging their Maxar 300 platform, Maxar Space Systems designed and developed this purpose-built bus to enable key technological advancements to support and advance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The bus was manufactured in Maxar Space Systems’ industry-leading facilities in California and shipped to Florida, where L3Harris will perform Space Vehicle integration and test activities prior to delivery and launch.

The Tranche 1 Tracking Layer satellites will enhance SDA’s capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, and tracking, of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. Maxar Space Systems is also designing and manufacturing another 18 buses for L3Harris in support of SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program. Collectively, the production of these platforms demonstrates Maxar Space Systems’ ability to develop and manufacture proliferated, low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations that leverages the company’s deep experience and operational agility to ensure customer mission requirements are achieved while also in a high-rate production environment.

“This milestone delivery demonstrates Maxar Space Systems’ commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver reliable, mission-critical solutions for our customers,” said Chris Johnson, CEO of Maxar Space Systems. “Successfully delivering this first spacecraft bus underscores the expertise of our team and the trust our partners place in us to help strengthen national security. We’re proud to play a role in advancing innovation and ensuring readiness for the challenges of tomorrow.”

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