Space Force Clears Design Review for Second Batch of MEO Missile-Warning Satellites

The U.S. Space Force has completed the critical design review for the second batch of its new missile warning and tracking satellites destined for medium Earth orbit, Space Systems Command announced Sept. 8. The milestone advances the MEO layer of the service's next-generation missile-warning architecture.

The design review covered 10 new satellites built by BAE Systems. Moving missile warning to medium Earth orbit is a central element of the Space Force's plan to track hypersonic and advanced threats that older systems in geosynchronous orbit handle poorly. Clearing the critical design review on the second batch indicates the program is progressing rather than stalling.

The satellites are tasked with the missile warning and tracking mission from medium Earth orbit. The critical design review, a key engineering gate that confirms a design is mature enough to proceed toward production, was completed for the second batch of the program. Space Systems Command disclosed the milestone on Sept. 8.

The MEO layer is intended to catch the fastest threats, a capability the Space Force has positioned as a priority within its evolving missile-warning framework. Completing the review for the second tranche demonstrates continued momentum on that layer of the architecture.

The next steps for the program will follow the completion of this design review as the second batch of satellites moves toward orbit.