Leidos Selected by Sierra Space to Power Golden Dome Missile Defense Satellites
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As the United States accelerates the deployment of a next-generation space-based missile defense architecture, Leidos has secured a key role in one of the nation's most strategically important defense programs. The company has been selected by Sierra Space to provide advanced infrared sensing payloads for the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) Tracking Layer, supporting the broader vision of Golden Dome for America.
The award builds upon Leidos' extensive heritage in delivering space-based missile warning technologies for the Space Development Agency (SDA) and further strengthens its position as a leading provider of advanced sensing capabilities for national security missions.
Advancing Space-Based Missile Warning and Tracking
Under the contract, Sierra Space will integrate Leidos' flight-proven infrared sensing payloads into 18 missile warning and tracking satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). The constellation will provide persistent detection, tracking, and monitoring of hypersonic weapons and other advanced missile threats, significantly enhancing the United States' space-based missile defense network.
The collaboration combines Sierra Space's satellite manufacturing and integration expertise with Leidos' proven infrared sensing technology to rapidly field an operational capability designed to address evolving global missile threats.
"AMDT3 will build upon proven technologies to accelerate global missile defense capability," said Cindy Gruensfelder, President of Leidos Defense.
She noted that Leidos has already validated these technologies on orbit and that the partnership with Sierra Space will enable the rapid deployment of an operational missile defense constellation capable of protecting the nation against increasingly sophisticated missile threats.
Onboard Processing Reduces Decision Time
A defining feature of Leidos' payload is the integration of infrared sensing with onboard digital signal processing. Instead of transmitting raw sensor data for processing on the ground, the payload generates mission-relevant tracking information directly aboard each satellite.
This onboard processing significantly reduces latency, allowing actionable tracking data to reach military operators much faster—an increasingly critical capability when responding to hypersonic weapons that travel at extremely high speeds.
Beyond sensor delivery, Leidos will also provide:
Ground support equipment
Mission integration expertise
Operational support
Long-term sustainment throughout the program lifecycle
Building on a Proven SDA Heritage
The AMDT3 contract continues Leidos' growing role across multiple generations of the SDA's proliferated LEO architecture.
The company has already demonstrated substantial on-orbit success:
4 infrared payloads operating successfully in SDA Tranche 0 since 2023, producing tracking data from real-world events.
14 missile warning and tracking sensors currently being delivered for Tranche 1.
16 additional tracking sensors plus 2 dedicated missile defense sensors for Tranche 2.
This expanding portfolio reflects continued customer confidence in Leidos' ability to rapidly transition advanced sensing technologies from demonstration into operational defense capability.
Supporting the Golden Dome Vision
As the SDA expands its Tracking Layer to improve global missile coverage and resilience, the AMDT3 satellites will play an important role in supporting the objectives of Golden Dome for America.
The proliferated LEO architecture is designed to deliver continuous global coverage while increasing resilience against potential attacks or satellite failures. By distributing sensing capabilities across numerous satellites rather than relying on a handful of large spacecraft, the architecture provides greater survivability and operational flexibility for homeland defense and military operations worldwide.
Strengthening Leidos' Space Defense Strategy
The contract also advances Leidos' long-term NorthStar 2030 strategy, reinforcing the company's focus on:
Space-based sensing technologies
Onboard digital processing
Integrated national security solutions
Operational missile defense systems
With proven technologies already operating in orbit and a growing role across successive SDA tranches, Leidos continues to evolve from demonstrating advanced space capabilities to delivering operational systems that underpin the future of U.S. missile defense.