SDA Plans to Acquire Sensors for Space-Based Missile Telemetry Collection

The Space Development Agency is seeking industry comments on its plan to issue a solicitation for the development of four prototype sensor payloads capable of delivering space-based telemetry monitoring, electronic support and alternative navigation services.

According to a draft solicitation posted on SAM.gov, the Sabre payloads would be integrated into the future National Defense Space Architecture Experimental Test Bed constellation for a demonstration. The SDA could purchase more payloads in addition to the four planned systems depending on the mission needs.

The trial would involve the collection and relay of telemetry data from ballistic and hypersonic missile tests and an evaluation of the payloads’ potential to serve as an alternate network to GPS for positioning, navigation and timing, Breaking Defense reported.

A senior SDA official said the payloads would help the Department of Defense cut millions of dollars in costs associated with collecting telemetry. The DOD currently uses a fleet of aircraft and ships to gather data during tests to assess the performance of missiles. The SDA notice stated that the Sabre payloads would not only reduce costs but also provide low-latency telemetry collection.

Interested parties can submit responses to the notice until Jan. 30.

The NExT satellites are set for launch beginning in 2024. In October, the SDA awarded Ball Aerospace a potential $176 million contract to develop and operate 10 NExt space vehicles and mission-enabling ground systems.