L3Harris Technologies has selected spacecraft platform provider Lanteris Space Systems, a subsidiary of Intuitive Machines, to supply satellite buses for its work on the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 3 Tracking Layer program.
Under a contract awarded in late 2025, L3Harris will build 18 satellites for the SDA’s missile-tracking constellation as part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The contract is valued at approximately $843 million.
Lanteris Space Systems, previously known as Maxar Space Systems, will provide the spacecraft platforms used in the satellites.
The company has previously worked with L3Harris on earlier SDA missions, supplying satellite buses for Tracking Layer Tranches 1 and 2.
The continued collaboration reflects the experience Lanteris has gained in developing spacecraft platforms tailored for the SDA’s proliferated satellite architecture.
Lockheed Martin, Rocket Lab and Northrop Grumman also received contracts from the Space Development Agency to build satellites for the Tranche 3 Tracking Layer.
Intuitive Machines acquired Lanteris Space Systems as part of a strategy to expand its capabilities as a vertically integrated space contractor serving national security, civil and commercial missions.
Steve Altemus said the selection continues the company’s collaboration with L3Harris and the Space Development Agency.
“This builds on a foundation of proven performance and mission trust earned through previous tracking layer selections that we look forward to carrying forward with L3Harris and the Space Development Agency,” Altemus said.
He added that Intuitive Machines aims to develop spacecraft platforms and mission systems capable of supporting complex space architectures at scale.
The Tranche 3 Tracking Layer satellites will form part of the Space Development Agency’s broader effort to build a distributed low-Earth orbit satellite network designed to track missile threats and support military communications.
