US Space Development Agency, "Detection Satellite Achieves Orbit"
"Dense Network Formed with Small Satellites"
The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has launched 10 satellites for the first time to detect and track hypersonic missiles. This move is aimed at countering the hypersonic missile capabilities that China and Russia have deployed in the field. The U.S. military plans to build a dense surveillance network connected by small satellites in the future.
According to Space.com on the 2nd (local time), the SDA stated in a press release that "the first launch of 'Tranche 0,' which supports fighter jets with resilient network capabilities including advanced missile threat tracking in low Earth orbit, was successful." On the same day, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket carrying the 10 satellites was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, and the satellites successfully reached orbit, SDA reported.
Among the 10 satellites launched this time, two made by SpaceX are tasked with detecting and tracking ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles traveling at Mach 5 speeds, while the remaining eight, produced by York Space Systems, are responsible for transmitting data detected by sensors to the ground.
After inspection in low Earth orbit at an altitude of about 1,000 km, these satellites will support military exercises including advanced missile tracking tests starting this summer. In addition to the 10 satellites launched this time, 18 more satellites are scheduled to be launched in June.
The 'Tranche 0' system promoted by the SDA consists of 8 tracking satellites and 20 data relay satellites. Defense contractors Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are also participating in the production of the entire satellite fleet. The plan is to build a densely connected satellite network with small satellites to enhance the detection and tracking capabilities of hypersonic missiles.
Derek Tournear, head of the SDA, said, "This is a very important achievement for the SDA and the entire Department of Defense," adding, "This launch allows us to keep to our schedule of providing improved capabilities every two years." The SDA plans to launch more satellites by the end of next year to operate the 'Tranche 1' system, which will consist of approximately 126 relay satellites, 35 tracking satellites, and 12 tactical demonstration satellites.
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