What's Happening?
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has successfully completed a System Requirements Review (SRR) for the U.S. Space Force’s Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) program. This review specifically focused on the Ground Management and Integration
(GMI) effort, which is designed to establish the ground architecture connecting the program's satellites with military users. The SRR assessed whether the system's requirements are adequately defined to proceed with further engineering and integration work. Kratos, serving as the prime contractor and systems integrator for the ground segment of the Resilient MWT Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) program, utilized digital engineering and model-based systems engineering tools during the review. The company was awarded a $446.8 million contract in April 2026 by Space Systems Command to build and operate the GMI architecture for Epoch 1 and Epoch 2 satellites. The integration of Kratos's ground system with Space Systems Command’s Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) platform is underway to accommodate changes in satellite constellations and mission requirements.
Why It's Important?
The completion of this SRR is a critical step in advancing the U.S. Space Force's capabilities in missile defense. The Resilient MWT program, also known as Resilient MEO Missile Warning and Tracking (RMMWT), aims to provide multi-orbit satellite coverage for detecting, tracking, and maintaining custody of ballistic missiles, hypersonic glide vehicles, and other evolving threats. This enhanced capability is vital for national security, as it ensures the continuous delivery of mission data essential for integration with operational missile defense systems. The program's success will directly impact the warfighter's ability to respond to advanced threats, providing a more robust and resilient defense posture. The use of open architecture and digital engineering by Kratos also signifies a move towards more adaptable and integrated space and ground segments, which is crucial for future-proofing defense systems against rapidly evolving threats.
What's Next?
Following the successful SRR, Kratos will proceed with continued requirements development, systems engineering, and integration planning for the GMI effort. The integration of Kratos's ground system with Space Systems Command’s FORGE platform will continue, aiming to support future changes to the satellite constellation and mission requirements. The Resilient MWT program, managed by Space Systems Command’s System Delta 84, will move forward with its objective to deliver multi-orbit satellite coverage. Future milestones will likely involve further development and testing phases for the GMI architecture, leading to the eventual deployment and operation of the Epoch 1 and Epoch 2 satellites. The program's progress will be closely monitored as it aims to enhance warfighter capabilities and ensure the ongoing delivery of critical mission data for missile defense.
Beyond the Headlines
This development underscores a broader strategic shift within the U.S. Space Force towards more resilient and advanced space-based defense systems. The emphasis on open architecture and digital engineering in the Resilient MWT program reflects a commitment to flexibility and interoperability, which are increasingly important in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. The integration with the FORGE platform suggests a move towards a more unified and adaptable ground control infrastructure, capable of managing diverse satellite constellations and mission profiles. This approach could set a precedent for future space acquisition programs, fostering greater collaboration between government and private industry in developing cutting-edge defense technologies. The program also highlights the growing importance of MEO satellites in providing persistent and comprehensive missile warning and tracking capabilities, addressing the challenges posed by advanced adversarial threats.
