The Space Development Agency is looking for a launch services provider to send 28 satellites to orbit in 2022 as part of a program to establish a space-based defense layer for missile detection.
SDA said in a solicitation notice posted that a potential contractor will perform delivery-on-orbit services for the satellite vehicles and determine subsequent launches needed for the effort.
The agency plans to establish the Tranche 0 constellation, which includes the “transport” and “tracking” satellites, primarily in low-Earth orbit as part of the proposed National Defense Space Architecture by September 2022 or no later than March 31, 2023.
Earlier this week, SDA selected L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and SpaceX to provide four Tranche 0 tracking satellites. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and York Space Systems will provide 10 satellites for the transport layer.
According to the statement of work, the Tranche-0 SVs must be inclined between 80 to 100 degrees and divided into 14 satellites each.
Other services covered by the contract include early integration assessments, program management, launch site support, performance assurance and safety evaluations for ground and flight systems.
The LSC must also provide evolved expendable launch vehicle secondary payload adapters and associated systems under the agreement.
Responses to the solicitation are due on Nov. 5.
