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MELBOURNE, Fla., Sept. 24, 2026 — L3Harris Technologies has completed the Preliminary Design Review for the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program, marking a key step toward fielding next-generation, space-based missile defense capabilities for the United States.
The review confirms baseline designs for the company’s TRKT3 mission solution, which spans ground, networking, satellite, communications and infrared payloads. The integrated system is planned to deliver infrared sensing, advanced on-orbit data processing and accurate real-time threat detection algorithms.
“Beginning with Tranche 0, L3Harris’ disciplined spiral development approach has improved missile warning, tracking and defense capabilities required to address modern threats,” said Jeff Hanke, President, Space Systems, Space & Mission Systems, L3Harris. “That institutional knowledge is what drives speed and precision on programs and underscores why L3Harris is a trusted industry partner across SDA’s Tracking Layer mission.”
Once on orbit, the TRKT3 satellites are expected to provide near-continuous global missile warning and tracking as part of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a component of the nation’s layered missile defense strategy.
L3Harris received an SDA contract in December 2025 to design and build 18 space vehicles for the T3 Tracking Layer and reports having more than 70 missile tracking and defense satellites on order in support of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
