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SDA is looking for input on Tranche 3 as it aims to “accelerate the proliferation of missile defense capability to provide low-latency fire control-quality data.”

The decision was made “because the RTX Epoch 1 development effort was facing significant cost growth from the original agreement baseline, projecting slips to the launch schedule, and had unresolved design challenges,” an SSC spokesperson told DefenseScoop.

SDA Director Derek Tournear told reporters that initial requirements for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Future Program Ground Segment Integration program were too broad for industry to execute.

The systems will be equipped with fire control-quality sensors to address advanced missile threats such as hypersonic weapons.

“SDA does not want to build a proliferated ground segment to support a proliferated space segment. I think that’s where one of the best opportunities to tap into commercial services is,” said Col. Kalliroi Landry.

“The next big debate going on for transport is: what are the next tactical data links that we’re going to proliferate in Tranche 3?” SDA Director Derek Tournear said.

The Gamma variant of the Tranche 2 transport layer will be equipped with the Warlock payload, offering fire control capabilities.

“That’s something that I’m really interested in, because I want to be able to take more risks on my satellites, not have redundant propulsion and things like that,” SDA Director Derek Tournear said.

The request is less than what SDA asked for in fiscal 2024, reflecting the agency’s pivot to launching its first operational tranche of satellites and procurement of fewer launches.

Space-based missile warning and tracking capabilities represent a lion’s share of the Space Force’s R&D budget request for fiscal 2025.