SpaceX, the private space company owned by Elon Musk, launched 10 hypersonic missile tracking satellites into orbit in line with the interests of the US Department of Defense. Tranche 0 satellites belonging to the Space Development Agency (SDA) were launched on April 2 with the Falcon 9 rocket.The launch was originally scheduled for March 30, but SpaceX had to delay it for a few days. SDA was established in March 2019 to help the US Department of Defense build a more sustainable space architecture in low Earth orbit.
It will track missiles at Mach 5
The Space Development Agency wants to put a total of 28 spacecraft into orbit. The second part of the Tranche 0 group, consisting of 18 satellites, will be sent into orbit in June. The spacecraft in question will be built by Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, York and SpaceX.
The satellites will detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles that can move and maneuver at Mach 5 (6174 km/h). According to the information conveyed, the total cost of developing, launching and operating the first 28 spacecraft by fiscal year 2025 will reach $980 million.
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