Maxar Eyes Deeper Penetration of Defense Market Through SDA Support Deal

Maxar Technologies is expected to deliver the first of L3Harris Technologies’ satellite buses to be used for the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer project.

Daniel Jablonsky, CEO and president of Maxar and a 2023 Wash100 winner, said his company is using the SDA project to seize opportunities in the defense sector, particularly in the missile detection and tracking segment. Jablonsky, who is also a 4×24 member, added that Maxar is still new when it comes to defense capabilities but will be a major member of the defense supply chain.

L3Harris chose Maxar to develop the satellite buses for the Tracking Layer after winning a $700 million SDA contract to produce 16 satellites, all of which are slated for launch in mid-2025, SpaceNews reported Monday.

According to Jablonsky, the time is right for Maxar to delve deeper into the defense market because budgets are growing worldwide.

In 2021, Maxar bid for an SDA satellite contract but failed to win the deal and a subsequent protest. Since then, the company has been producing hardware and pursuing partnerships with other prime contractors akin to the L3Harris deal.