# Space Development Agency Awards $1.75B Golden Dome Satellite Contracts

The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded approximately **$1.75 billion** in fixed-price Other Transaction Authority (OTA) rapid prototyping contracts to L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space to develop and deliver 36 missile warning and tracking satellites under the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) program. These satellites will enhance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and the Pentagon's Golden Dome missile defense system, improving detection and tracking of hypersonic and ballistic missile threats globally. Launch readiness is targeted by the end of 2028, supporting U.S. Space Force and Department of Defense priorities to expand space-based missile defense capabilities.

- **Key agencies involved:** Space Development Agency (SDA), U.S. Space Force (USSF), and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) are driving this major investment in space-based missile tracking infrastructure.
- **Prime contractors:** L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space secured contracts worth approximately $955 million and $798 million respectively, positioning them as key suppliers for the AMDT3 tracking layer satellites.
- **Regional impact:** Colorado, Indiana, and other U.S. locations are significant manufacturing and development hubs, with Sierra Space and L3Harris facilities contributing to national security space efforts.
- **Procurement implications:** Contractors and suppliers should evaluate opportunities in satellite manufacturing, space systems integration, and related technologies as the Golden Dome program expands. Industry partnerships and upcoming events like the 2026 Air and Space Summit offer avenues for collaboration and business development.
- **Strategic relevance:** These awards reflect a shift toward proliferated, resilient space architectures to counter advanced missile threats, emphasizing rapid prototyping and deployment under OTA agreements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Contracting Vehicles, Cloud Services, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** July 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Space Development Agency (SDA)
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA)

### Vendors
- L3Harris Technologies (prime contractor)
- Sierra Space (prime contractor)
- Northrop Grumman (contractor)
- Apex (startup partner)
- Lockheed Martin (contractor)

### Key Quotes
> By combining cutting-edge design and manufacturing systems with industrial depth and systems integration expertise, we’re able to move faster, manage risk better, and deliver more cost-effective solutions. AMDT3 is proof that our approach is working, and we’re just getting started.
> — Dan Jablonsky, CEO, Sierra Space

> L3Harris’ continued work in Indiana will deliver the next generation of space-based tracking capabilities that we need to protect the homeland and stay ahead of our adversaries. This is exactly the kind of industrial investment that strengthens deterrence.
> — Jim Banks, Senator

> AMDT3 expands upon SDA’s previous and current Tracking Layer generations…marking another milestone in delivering a resilient and global missile warning, missile tracking and missile defense capability.
> — GP Sandhoo, Space Force Director

### Sources
- [Golden Dome Tracker: New Contract Awards and Hopes for New Space Infrastructure - GovCon Wire](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/golden-dome-july-2026-missile-defense-ussf-space-based-interceptor) - GovCon Wire
- [Boulder County's Sierra Space wins $800M Golden Dome satellite contract - Axios Boulder](https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2026/07/14/sierra-space-golden-dome-satellite-contract) - Axios
- [SDA Awards $1.75B in AMDT3 Prototype Agreements to L3Harris, Sierra Space - GovCon Wire](https://www.govconwire.com/articles/sda-1-75b-amdt3-ota-awards-l3harris-sierra-space) - GovCon Wire