The US Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has awarded two contracts for the missile track custody prototype effort.
The effort will develop digital models, evaluating the ability of various next generation overhead persistent infrared sensor designs to meet missile tracking requirements.
These initial contracts awarded to Raytheon and Boeing’s Millennium Space Systems will deliver and validate missile tracking designs and verify predicted performance.
“This effort is a key component of SMC’s Digital Engineering strategy, enabling the government to incorporate and connect multiple contractor models in an automated digital environment,” said Col. Timothy Sejba, SMC’s program executive officer for space development.
“In addition, it will support US Space Force’s architecture analysis by providing realistic cost, schedule, and performance predictions, essentially enabling a digital ‘try it before you buy it’ approach.”
The SMC track custody team is actively coordinating with the Space Development Agency, Missile Defense Agency, Space Warfighting Analysis Center, and Space Force Enterprise Architect Office. This effort aligns with the overarching missile warning and missile defense strategy without overlapping or duplicating efforts of others.
“The Missile Track Custody Prototype effort is the first under the new Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) other transaction agreement awarded on January 15,” Sejba said. “This allows SMC to tap into a fast-growing, innovative market and collaborate with non-traditional vendors like small businesses and academia. Since 2017, SpEC has minimized barriers to entry for small businesses and nontraditional vendors, while reducing procurement timelines with lower cost.”
