Defense giant L3Harris is ramping up it’s satellite production,ushering in a new era of automated manufacturing for critical infrared sensor payloads. This strategic move comes as the company secures a significant order for 38 satellites from the Space Development Agency (SDA) for its ambitious Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) program.
The SDA program envisions a vast network of hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit, designed to significantly enhance missile detection and tracking capabilities for the U.S. military. Faced with this surging demand, L3Harris is shifting away from the traditional, bespoke approach that has long defined aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Rob Mitrevski,L3Harris vice president and general manager of spectral solutions,revealed these plans to SpaceNews at the Spacepower Conference. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, stating that “space production hasn’t been treated like all other production” due to the historically limited demand and production volumes. This will change with the advent of large-scale constellation deployments.
A state-of-the-art facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, slated to commence operations in spring 2025, will spearhead the production of these sophisticated infrared payloads. These highly specialized instruments, integrated into satellites, play a crucial role in detecting and measuring infrared radiation emitted as heat by objects.This technology is indispensable for missile defense applications and environmental monitoring efforts.
Mitrevski highlighted the facility’s cutting-edge automated assembly lines, marking a significant departure from conventional space manufacturing practices. The PWSA constellation, he explained, represents a transformative moment for the space manufacturing sector, necessitating a complete rethink of production methodologies to meet the burgeoning demand.
Overcoming pandemic Challenges and Looking Ahead
The PWSA program, while groundbreaking, has faced delays due to supply chain bottlenecks, as the defense industry grappled with the unprecedented scale of production required.
L3Harris’ new facility will cater not only to military missile-tracking satellite orders but also to civil programs, including weather imaging spacecraft for government agencies. under the SDA program, L3Harris will also supply infrared payloads to Millennium Space Systems.
Meanwhile, Maxar Space Systems is a key partner, supplying satellite buses for 34 of L3Harris’ missile-tracking satellites. While acknowledging that Maxar has faced some initial setbacks, Mitrevski remains positive, stating they have ”many buses in various states of assembly and delivery,” signifying progress is being made.
Looking ahead, L3Harris is strategically positioning itself for future opportunities, including a U.S. Space force procurement for medium Earth orbit missile-tracking satellites. These would complement the existing low Earth orbit network, creating a more robust and resilient missile detection system.
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How will the collaboration with Maxar Space Systems impact L3Harris’s satellite production timeline and efficiency?
Q&A with Rob Mitrevski, L3Harris Vice President and General Manager of Spectral Solutions
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Rob. L3Harris has recently announced significant advancements in satellite production and manufacturing. Can you provide us with an overview of what prompted this shift in strategy?
Rob Mitrevski: Thank you for having me. The primary driver behind our strategic pivot is the increasing demand for missile detection and tracking capabilities within the U.S. military. We’ve secured a significant order for 38 satellites from the Space Development Agency (SDA) as part of their Proliferated Warfighter Space architecture (PWSA) program,which envisions a vast network of hundreds of satellites in low Earth orbit. This requires us to rethink our conventional manufacturing methods, which have historically been more bespoke and less automated.
Time.news Editor: What unique features will the new facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, bring to L3Harris’s production capabilities?
Rob Mitrevski: our new state-of-the-art facility is set to commence operations in spring 2025 and will feature cutting-edge automated assembly lines specifically designed for producing advanced infrared sensor payloads. These payloads are crucial for detecting and measuring infrared radiation, which plays an essential role in both missile defence applications and environmental monitoring. This represents a basic change in how we approach satellite manufacturing,enabling us to meet the growing scale of production required for the PWSA.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the PWSA, how does this program impact the overall defense industry and satellite production landscape?
Rob Mitrevski: The PWSA program marks a transformative moment in the space manufacturing sector. It necessitates a complete rethinking of production methodologies due to the scale and speed at which the U.S. military needs these satellites. The emphasis on automated manufacturing is vital, as it aligns with the paradigm shift we’re seeing in space production—not treating it like a niche market anymore, but rather integrating it with broader manufacturing principles used in other industries.
Time.news Editor: The defense industry has faced considerable challenges due to pandemic-related supply chain bottlenecks. How is L3Harris addressing these issues?
Rob Mitrevski: it’s true that supply chain challenges have impacted our timelines. However, we are overcoming these hurdles by improving our relationships with partners and ensuring our facility is equipped to handle various orders simultaneously. The fort Wayne location will not only cater to military orders but also to civil programs, including weather imaging missions for government agencies, creating a diversified approach to production that enhances stability.
Time.news Editor: With the partnership with Maxar Space Systems, what role does collaboration play in your satellite production efforts?
Rob Mitrevski: Collaboration is crucial for success in this complex industry. Maxar Space Systems is providing the satellite buses for 34 of our missile-tracking satellites. Despite some initial delays, we remain positive about our progress, as we have many buses in various states of assembly and delivery. Leveraging partnerships helps us streamline the entire production process and ensures we can deliver on our commitments.
Time.news Editor: Looking to the future, what opportunities do you see on the horizon for L3Harris?
Rob Mitrevski: We are strategically positioning ourselves for upcoming projects, including a potential procurement from the U.S. Space Force for medium Earth orbit missile-tracking satellites. This will complement our existing low Earth orbit network, ultimately creating a more robust and resilient missile detection system. The landscape of satellite production is evolving rapidly, and we are excited about our role within it.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Rob, for sharing these insights.It’s clear that L3Harris is at the forefront of a new era in space manufacturing, which will have significant implications for both military capabilities and technological advancements.
Rob Mitrevski: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss our efforts. We beleive that these advancements in satellite production will greatly enhance the capabilities of our armed forces, as well as contribute to advancements in civil applications.