Multiple satellites under construction in SSL’s manufacturing facility in Palo Alto, California. Photo: SSL

SSL, a Maxar Technologies company, was selected through the Space Enterprise Consortium, managed by Advanced Technology International, to lead the team developing a persistent space layer prototype concept to address warfighter requirements for detecting and tracking missile threats for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Missile Defense Agency. SSL will work in partnership with Maxar’s Radiant Solutions, which will provide its mission and ground systems engineering expertise.

The concept, called the Space Sensor Layer (previously Missile Defense Tracking System), is crucial to the next-generation operational space layer, providing persistent and resilient capabilities to detect and track threats using space-based sensing. By drawing on Maxar Technologies’ experience in spacecraft design, sensor technology, space-to-ground communications, and enterprise ground segment development, SSL aims to formulate an affordable end-to-end solution that includes overarching system engineering and integration support.

“As Maxar Technology companies, Radiant Solutions and SSL together are able to unlock new solutions and more insights than either of us could do alone,” said Radiant Solutions President Tony Frazier. “The important missile defense concepts we are working on will bolster U.S. national security and build a better world. Together, our goal is to help defense and intelligence agencies address their most critical and complex challenges with confidence.”