Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded a $1.2 billion contract for 10 Epoch 2 space vehicles for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Resilient Missile Warning Tracking (MWT) architecture in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) to BAE Systems' Space and Mission Systems on May 29, 2025, through a firm fixed price Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement.

SSC’s Resilient MWT MEO program is focused on the rapid acquisition of robust infrared sensing technology and integrating it into an entirely new satellite constellation in MEO. These satellites are designed to detect and track a range of threats, from large, bright intercontinental ballistic missile launches to dim, maneuvering hypersonic missiles. The program integrates with the broader national missile defense architecture, with Epoch 2 providing the primary purpose of delivering resilient global hypersonic missile tracking access.

“Epoch 2 is in alignment with the Chief of Space Operations’ top priority to provide accurate real-time information to decision-makers. This allows for additional resiliency in the missile warning and tracking satellite architecture,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Castillo, materiel leader, Epoch 2 program office.

The satellites are planned for rapid and regular delivery in “Epochs” every two years, incrementally building additional operational capabilities. Epoch 1 and 2 posture the USSF to deliver the initial warfighting capability for the Nation—the ability to track hypersonic missile threats anywhere on the globe. The first delivery of Epoch 2 is planned for Fiscal Year 2029.

"Achieving this critical milestone was made possible by robust, mission-aligned partnerships between government and industry. Our iterative engagement strategy, encompassing numerous Mini-Industry Days and tailored one-on-one discussions, proved essential to the expeditious and successful completion of the Epoch 2 Firm-Fixed Price OTA award," said Capt. Alexander Siangpipop, branch chief and agreements officer, Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program. "This award exemplifies the Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy’s [USSF acting Senior Acquisition Executive] call to more aggressively establish an agile acquisition strategy up front to achieve both speed and performance and enable teamwork, not only between contracting officer and program manager, but with industry as well.”

As part of this program, SSC works closely with the Space Development (SDA) and Missile Defense (MDA) agencies through a combined program office approach.

“Delivering these critical Missile Warning and Tracking capabilities on rapid timelines in a collaborative approach with MDA and SDA is a big win for the Nation and our joint forces,” said Maj. Michael DiMuzio, program element monitor, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration.

The coordinated efforts allow for proliferating lower-cost satellites in both low and medium Earth orbits, delivering a comprehensive set of resilient missile warning, tracking, and defense capabilities.

“We are excited to begin working with our mission and industry partners to deliver an innovative and resilient Missile Warning and Tracking capability from MEO that will protect our Nation, allies, and joint warfighters from emerging threats,” Castillo said.

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