The U.S. Space Force is advancing its missile defense satellite capabilities by moving into the second phase of its Missile Track Custody program. On August 9, 2024, the Space Systems Command released a request for prototype proposals for the Missile Track Custody Epoch 2 program. This program aims to expand the missile-tracking satellite network in medium Earth orbit (MEO). Epoch 2 builds upon the groundwork laid by Epoch 1, the initial phase of the MEO missile warning and tracking constellation, originally spearheaded by Millennium Space Systems. However, Raytheon, initially selected to build three Epoch 1 satellites, had its contract terminated due to issues with cost and scheduling. Epoch 2 seeks to explore and test new technologies through prototype proposals before advancing to full-scale production. The Space Force plans to invest approximately $6 billion between 2025 and 2029 to develop and procure up to 18 satellites. These satellites will be optically cross-linked to maintain continuous surveillance and tracking of missile threats.

MEO satellites are crucial for tracking next-generation threats such as hypersonic glide vehicles, which are difficult to detect due to their speed, maneuverability, and low heat signatures. This satellite constellation will be part of a broader multi-orbit missile defense strategy that includes satellites in low Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and highly elliptical orbits, providing a comprehensive defense architecture.

The expansion of the Missile Track Custody program into medium Earth orbit (MEO) has significant implications for space system cybersecurity.  The additional18 new satellites in MEO increases the overall attack surface of the U.S. Space Force’s missile defense network. Each satellite, ground station, and communication link are a potential target for cyberattacks, making robust cybersecurity measures critical. As with any project supply chain attacks are always relevant and a possibility. The request for prototype proposals invites multiple vendors to contribute to the Epoch 2 program. This diversity of suppliers can introduce supply chain vulnerabilities, as components and software from various sources may have different levels of cybersecurity maturity. Ensuring that all vendors meet stringent cybersecurity standards is crucial to protecting the entire satellite network. The multi-orbit defense architecture, which includes satellites in low Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and highly elliptical orbits, requires seamless integration and communication between these different systems. The diversity when if comes to orbits ensures that this integration is resilient to attacks, maintaining the network’s redundancy and reliability in the face of potential cyber threats.

Space Force to expand missile-defense satellite network in medium Earth orbit