The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, through the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle, awarded L3Harris Technologies approximately $29 million for a sensor payload design contract to deliver a digital model for the medium Earth orbit (MEO) – Missile Track Custody (MTC) Epoch 1 program that will support detecting and tracking hypersonic missiles. To inform the Space Force’s future missile warning and tracking constellation, L3Harris will conduct an infrared sensor payload critical design phase that will support realistic cost, schedule and performance predictions. The L3Harris MEO-MTC contract will conclude its critical design review phase in May 2024. The work will be performed at the company’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Melbourne, Florida, facilities.
“I’m very excited the next generation of Space Force missile tracking satellites will be built right here in Fort Wayne. These satellites are crucial to defending our homeland and a great example of the groundbreaking innovation going on in Northeast Indiana. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to have helped secure this investment that will support hundreds of high-paying jobs in our region,” said Congressman Jim Banks, who represents Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District where L3Harris’ Fort Wayne facility is located.
“L3Harris is proud to be an integral part of the Space Force Space Systems Command’s Missile Track Custody program, which will provide groundbreaking missile warning and tracking capabilities that are at the forefront of our national defense. We are committed to leveraging our extensive work within our nation’s integrated missile defense architecture to provide resilient, low-risk and affordable solutions for both Epoch 1 and future Epochs,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces C6ISR systems and products, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. They specialize in surveillance solutions, microwave weaponry, and electronic warfare. It was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies (formerly L-3 Communications) and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019, and was expected to be the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States. As of 2022, L3Harris is organized under three business segments: Integrated Mission Systems, Space & Airborne Systems, and Communication Systems.
