Maxar to Deliver Satellite Platform for SDA’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer

L3Harris Technologies has selected Maxar Space Systems to design and produce Maxar 300 spacecraft platforms for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Tracking Layer program.

The Maxar 300 spacecraft features flexible and scalable electrical and data interfaces for various payloads; configurable telemetry, tracking and command; inter-satellite link support; solar arrays and batteries; and chemical or electric propulsion. For the contract, Maxar will produce 18 of the platforms and deliver necessary support services.

The selection builds an existing contract between Maxar and L3Harris for the Tranche 1 Tracking Layer, awarded in 2022, Maxar said.

Maxar also works on satellite-based capabilities besides the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture program.

In July, Maxar previewed its Maxar Geospatial Platform, which makes geospatial data discovery, acquisition and integration easier. MGP includes three applications that allow users to identify and buy satellite imagery and subscribe to secure, on-demand access to Maxar’s imagery library.

In June, Maxar announced plans to use space-based Earth observation sensors to monitor orbital activities. The plan is part of the 10-year, $3 billion Electro-Optical Commercial Layer program awarded by the National Reconnaissance Office in 2022.