Sun. May 19th, 2024

L3Harris Teams Up with Mercury Systems to Hook Up Missile-Warning Satellites with Stellar Solid-State Data Recorders

Samantha Parker By Samantha Parker May12,2024

COLORADO SPRINGS — Mercury Systems announced a $31 million contract April 10 to supply solid-state data recorders to L3Harris Technologies for the U.S. Space Development Agency’s Tracking Layer Tranche 2.

“We are extremely proud to provide the on-orbit data storage capabilities for this important national security mission,” Tom Smelker, general manager of Mercury’s microsystems business unit, said in a statement. “The Mercury Processing Platform brings unique advantages to the space domain, with edge-ready products that turn data into decisions.”

In January, SDA awarded contracts to L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and Sierra Space to produce 18 Tracking Layer Tranche 2 satellites apiece with infrared sensors to track hypersonic missiles in flight.

Another four satellites L3Harris built for SDA’s Tracking Layer Tranche 0 launched in February. And SDA tapped L3Harris in December to begin producing 16 Tracking Layer Tranche 1 satellites.

Solid-State Recorders

With the latest award, Mercury is providing primary data storage devices for all three L3Harris Tracking Layer constellations.

The Mercury solid-state recorders are designed to tolerate radiation and “enable on-orbit sensor data processing and storage,” according to the news release.

NASA’s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation, an imaging spectrometer mounted on the international space station, also is equipped with Mercury solid-state data recorders.

Debra Werner is a correspondent for SpaceNews based in San Francisco.

Debra earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University. She…
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Samantha Parker

By Samantha Parker

Samantha is a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth behind the headlines. With years of experience in investigative reporting, she has covered a wide range of topics including politics, crime, and entertainment. Her in-depth analysis and commitment to factual accuracy make her a respected voice in the field of journalism.

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2 thoughts on “L3Harris Teams Up with Mercury Systems to Hook Up Missile-Warning Satellites with Stellar Solid-State Data Recorders”
  1. As a space technology enthusiast, I am thrilled to see companies like Mercury Systems and L3Harris Technologies collaborating to enhance our national security. The advancements in on-orbit data storage capabilities are crucial for missions involving tracking hypersonic missiles. Exciting times ahead for space exploration!

  2. It’s truly impressive to see the collaboration between L3Harris and Mercury Systems in enhancing the missile-warning satellites. The solid-state data recorders provided by Mercury bring invaluable capabilities to the space domain, contributing to national security efforts. Exciting advancements in technology for crucial missions.

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