US Space Force Awards Contracts to Nine Firms for Orbital Airborne Moving Target Indication (AMTI) Constellation

Key Points

• Nine firms awarded nascent contracts for orbital AMTI constellation
• System described as most capable AMTI network ever fielded
• Space Force using 'system-of-systems' approach with multi-vendor segment

Full Details

The US Space Force announced today that it has awarded nascent contracts to nine firms to build a satellite constellation for airborne moving target indication (AMTI), a system designed to track aircraft from orbit. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink revealed the contracts during a press briefing at the Space Symposium, claiming the satellites will be 'far and away' the most capable AMTI system ever fielded. The service is pursuing a 'system-of-systems' approach to create a multi-vendor space segment that will form the industrial base for the program. The Space Force is developing both AMTI and ground-moving target indication (GMTI) space systems in collaboration with the National Reconnaissance Office, where Meink previously served as principal deputy director. This initiative represents a significant expansion of space-based surveillance capabilities for tracking airborne threats.