What is the Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer?

For many company’s in the commercial space sector, “Low earth orbit (LEO) is the initial crucial step”, observed Space Tango CEO Sita Sonty in a panel at OODAcon 2023, “Our company’s business model is based on that very hypothesis.”  In the same OODAcon 2023 panel, Ryan Westerdahl – CEO of Turion Space – agreed that LEO is the crucial first step, while also sharing  that “Turion Space is based on the premise that the future architecture of space will be distributed across a broad vision, inspired by science fiction, of what space can and will be in the future.”

Undoubtedly, government agency-led design and structural elements of this “future architecture of space” will continue to figure prominently – like the recently announced Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements – totalling $2.5 billion – awarding “three prototype agreements to build 54 satellites to establish the Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer, which will proliferate missile warning/missile tracking (MW/MT) infrared sensors as well as fire control-quality infrared sensors for missile defense in support of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).”

Let’s take a look at these mission critical components of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) – which is an emergent sub-structure of the larger future architecture of space.

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What is the Role of Government in Space in the Future?

“What are the commercial possibilities here?”

The role of government in space in the future will be multi-faceted – including a logical focus on cybersecurity and national security – the government’s role also extends to space security, supporting national security priorities, and fostering inter-satellite security. Governments also recognize the importance of protecting satellite systems and intellectual property  Additionally, government involvement is crucial in pacing space regulation.  Government-driven initiatives, particularly in the cislunar space domain, will be 100% government-driven by necessity.

The challenge then is, after the government fields early capabilities and gets things off the ground (pun intended), how best to leverage the private sector to figure out commercial models?  It is through this prism that we examine the SDA’s Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer and Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), crucial components of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA).  What are the commercial possibilities here? 

What is the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer?

“The focus on advanced tracking capabilities in LEO…to provide critical support to national defense infrastructure.”

The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer is a crucial component of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA), a multi-layered space-based defense infrastructure designed to enhance the United States’ capability to detect, track, and engage threats, particularly advanced missile threats such as hypersonic missiles.

Key aspects of the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer include:

1. Advanced Missile Tracking: The primary objective of the T2 Tracking Layer is to improve the detection and tracking of advanced missile threats. This includes hypersonic glide vehicles and other difficult-to-detect missiles that traditional defense systems may struggle to track.
2. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Constellation: The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer consists of a constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. LEO is advantageous for such a system due to its lower latency in communication and better resolution for sensors compared to higher orbits.
3. Wide Field-of-View (WFOV) and Medium Field-of-View (MFOV) Sensors: The satellites are equipped with advanced sensors capable of wide and medium field-of-view tracking. This enables the satellites to monitor large areas of space while also having the capability to focus on specific targets or regions of interest.
4. Rapid Data Processing and Communication: These satellites are designed for quick data processing and are equipped with technologies that allow for near-real-time communication with other satellites and ground stations. This rapid communication is essential for the timely relay of tracking data to defense systems.
5. Integration with the Overall NDSA: The T2 Tracking Layer is meant to work in conjunction with other layers of the NDSA, including the Transport Layer (which provides secure, high-bandwidth communications) and the Battle Management Layer (which assists in decision-making based on the data provided by the Tracking Layer).
6. Scalability and Evolution: The SDA’s approach involves iterative development, meaning that each tranche (like T2) is designed to build upon and enhance the capabilities established by previous tranches. This allows for the integration of new technologies and improvements over time.
7. Advanced Sensors: Equipped with sophisticated sensors, these satellites can detect and track very fast-moving and maneuverable threats, like hypersonic missiles, that are difficult to track with traditional systems.
8. Satellite Constellation: The system operates as a constellation, meaning it consists of multiple satellites working in coordination. This ensures comprehensive coverage and minimizes blind spots.
9. Continuous Development and Deployment: The SDA’s approach involves rapid development and deployment of technologies, with Tranches representing different phases or “blocks” of capability development.

The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer represents a significant step in the United States’ efforts to maintain space-based defense capabilities, particularly in the face of evolving missile technologies and other emerging threats. The focus on advanced tracking capabilities in LEO positions the SDA to provide critical support to national defense infrastructure.

“The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer’s deployment in Low Earth Orbit is a strategic choice that maximizes the effectiveness of its tracking capabilities. The proximity to Earth offers significant advantages in terms of response time, imaging resolution, and overall surveillance efficacy.”

The Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer, as part of the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) NDSA, is closely related to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Here’s how:

1. Orbital Deployment: The satellites that make up the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer are primarily deployed in Low Earth Orbit. LEO is an Earth-centered orbit with an altitude of 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) or less, or approximately one-third of the way to the Moon.
2. Advantages of LEO for Tracking: Placing these satellites in LEO offers several benefits:
   • Reduced Latency: LEO satellites have a shorter distance to Earth, which reduces communication latency. This is crucial for rapid detection and response to threats like hypersonic missiles.
   • Improved Resolution: Satellites in LEO can achieve higher resolution imaging and sensing due to their proximity to the Earth, enhancing tracking and identification capabilities.
   • Cost-Effective Launch and Maintenance: Launching into and maintaining satellites in LEO is generally less expensive compared to higher orbits.
3. Constellation Configuration: The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer operates as a constellation of satellites. This means multiple satellites work in tandem to provide comprehensive and persistent coverage. LEO is ideal for such constellations due to the ease of placing multiple satellites in orbit and their ability to cover large areas of the Earth’s surface.
4. Rapid Revisit Times: Satellites in LEO have relatively short orbital periods, allowing them to revisit areas of interest frequently. This is important for maintaining continuous tracking of fast-moving or maneuverable threats.
5. Integration with Other Systems: The Tranche 2 Tracking Layer in LEO is designed to work in conjunction with other satellite layers in different orbits as part of the broader NDSA. This integrated approach ensures a multi-layered defense capability.

The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA)

“…a significant shift in the U.S. military’s approach to space, focusing on distributed, networked systems…in a contested space environment… to ensure space stability, deter aggression, and protect U.S. and allied interests in space.”

The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) is a planned network of military satellites and ground systems intended to enhance the United States’ defense capabilities in space. This architecture is part of the broader strategy to address emerging and evolving space-based threats, particularly from near-peer competitors. The NDSA is designed to be highly resilient, adaptive, and capable of providing critical support to military operations.

Key components and objectives of the NDSA include:

1. Layered Architecture: The NDSA is structured in layers, each with a specific set of functions. These layers work together to provide a comprehensive range of capabilities. Key layers include:
   • Transport Layer: Provides secure, low-latency military data and communications connectivity worldwide.
   • Battle Management Layer: Processes data for command and control, delivering timely information to warfighters.
   • Tracking Layer: Detects and tracks advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missiles.
   • Custody Layer: Helps maintain custody of time-sensitive targets.
   • Navigation Layer: Augments existing GPS systems with more resilient and accurate positioning, navigation, and timing data.
   • Deterrence Layer: Designed to deter hostile actions in space.
   • Support Layer: Provides ground and communication support to the above layers.
2. Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellation: The architecture relies on a large number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit. This proliferation enhances resilience against attacks and failures, as the loss of a few satellites would not critically disrupt the system.
3. Rapid Development and Deployment: The SDA adopts a rapid development approach, with the aim of deploying capabilities in two-year tranches. This approach allows the incorporation of the latest technologies and quick adaptation to emerging threats.
4. Integrated with Other Defense Systems: The NDSA is designed to integrate with other U.S. defense systems, both in space and on the ground, to provide a unified response to threats.
5. Cost-Effective and Scalable Solutions: By leveraging commercial technologies and standardizing designs, the SDA aims to reduce costs and enable scalability of the system.
6. Enhanced Communication and Data Sharing: The NDSA aims to provide global, real-time communication and data-sharing capabilities to U.S. and allied forces, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making in the battlefield.

The NDSA represents a significant shift in the U.S. military’s approach to space, focusing on distributed, networked systems that can operate in a contested space environment. The goal is to ensure space stability, deter aggression, and protect U.S. and allied interests in space.

What Next?  The Potential Commercial Applications of the Tranche 2 Tracking Layer

It’s important to note that the utilization of such technologies for commercial purposes would be subject to regulations and export controls, especially since they involve sensitive and advanced military-grade technology.

While the Tranche 2 (T2) Tracking Layer is primarily designed for defense purposes – specifically for tracking advanced missile threats like hypersonic missiles – the technologies and capabilities developed for T2 could have several potential commercial applications: