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Satellite Constellation to Track Hypersonic Missiles

Our Bureau - : Mar 15, 2023 - : 12:33 am

Raytheon Technologies is designing and developing a seven-vehicle missile tracking satellite constellation to help track emerging threats like hypersonic missiles. Japan is also considering the deplyment of a network of satellites to track next-generation hypersonic missiles capable of evading current defence systems.

The United States, Japan’s closest ally, awarded Raytheon Technologies a deal valued at more than US$250 million to design, develop and deliver the seven-vehicle missile tracking satellite constellation, as well as support launch and ground operations by the Space Development Agency.

Once deployed, the low-Earth orbit constellation of networked satellites will become the fifth plane of satellites providing missile warning and tracking for the U.S. Department of Defense. The programme is a key element of the proliferated warfighter space architecture.

“Developing a resilient and affordable proliferated satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit will improve our ability to track emerging threats like hypersonic missiles,” said Dave Broadbent, president of Space & C2 at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. “Continuing to develop this architecture with SDA and our industry partners will be a high priority for us in the coming months.”

Raytheon Technologies has been developing missile warning systems for decades. Since acquiring Blue Canyon Technologies and SEAKR Engineering, Raytheon Technologies has expanded its space payload and satellite bus capabilities and expertise, becoming a leading provider of space systems to a growing number of programmes.

Raytheon will leverage existing designs, available commercial products and common components to reduce technical risk and speed delivery. The seven-vehicle satellite constellation will feature Raytheon’s wide field of view overhead persistent infrared sensor, Blue Canyon Technologies’ Saturnclass microsatellite bus, and SEAKR Engineering’s electronics payload.

Japan in its FY2022 budget had allocated ¥0.1 billion for research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for tracking moving targets using satellite constellations, conduct research on AI technology that uses satellite constellations to predict the positions for multiple moving targets automatically and in frequent intervals, and makes it possible to keep track of these targets. The Japanese government is also considering joining the U.S. satellite constellation initiative.

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