Tracking hypersonic threats with advanced missile defense satellites

  • The United States Space Force has ordered the first satellites for an advanced missile defense constellation.
  • The satellites, known as FOO Fighter, will detect and track advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missiles.
  • The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded $414 million to Millennium Space Systems, Inc. to build eight FOO Fighter satellites.
  • SDA plans to launch the satellites in the first quarter of 2027.
  • The FOO Fighter program will add to the agency’s growing fleet of missile tracking spacecraft.

The United States Space Force has awarded a $414 million contract to Millennium Space Systems, Inc. to build eight satellites for its upcoming FOO Fighter program. These satellites will be responsible for detecting, warning, and tracking advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missiles. The Space Development Agency (SDA) plans to launch the FOO Fighter satellites in the first quarter of 2027. This program will add to SDA’s growing fleet of missile tracking spacecraft, known as the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The FOO Fighter satellites will provide an operational demonstration of fire control efforts, complementing SDA’s existing missile warning and missile defense initiatives. The name FOO Fighter is inspired by the UFOs reported by Allied aviators during World War Two. These luminous orbs or balls of fire often appeared to follow aircraft in flight. While the cause of these UFOs remains unknown, the FOO Fighter satellites aim to track and counter hypersonic threats in the modern era.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides detailed information about the Space Development Agency’s contract with Millennium Space Systems, Inc. to build satellites for the FOO Fighter program. It explains the purpose of the satellites, their role in missile defense, and the overall goal of the program. The article also includes background information on the Tranche 0 layer and the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, providing context for the new satellite order. While there is a brief mention of the historical foo fighters phenomenon, it does not detract significantly from the main topic of the article.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides detailed information about the United States Space Force’s upcoming advanced missile defense constellation, including the contract awarded, the purpose of the satellites, and the timeline for launch. It also explains the role of the FOO Fighter program and its connection to the PWSA. However, the article includes some irrelevant information about UFOs and World War Two, which detracts from the main topic.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article pertains to the United States Space Force and its contract with Millennium Space Systems, Inc. to build satellites for an advanced missile defense constellation. This could impact the aerospace and defense industry.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification:
Public Companies: SpaceX (N/A)
Private Companies: Millennium Space Systems, Inc.
Key People: Derek Tournear (SDA director)

Reported publicly: www.space.com