Ascent Solar, Defiant Space Partner for Defense and National Security Solutions.

Ascent Solar Technologies and Defiant Space Corporation have formed a strategic partnership to pursue opportunities in the US defense and national security sectors. They will combine Ascent's space-proven solar technology with Defiant's mission-focused space solutions. The collaboration aims to address growing demand for resilient, cost-effective capabilities supporting defense and security objectives. The partnership also explores opportunities across allied and international space markets.

DENVER, Colo., Jan. 16, 2024 – The Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a contract worth $890 million to build 18 satellites as part of its Tranche 2 Tracking Layer constellation Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract for 18 Space Development Agency Tranche 2 Satellites^[1]. This significant contract underscores the growing demand for advanced space technologies in defense and national security.

Lockheed Martin will provide 16 wide field of view missile warning/missile tracking space vehicles with infrared sensors and two space vehicles with missile defense infrared sensors. These satellites are designed to offer preliminary missile defense capabilities by generating fire control-quality tracks. The contract, a firm-fixed price, other transaction agreement, will be executed from Lockheed Martin's new small satellite processing facility in Colorado.

The T2 Tracking Layer constellation aims to accelerate the capability to provide global, persistent indications, detection, warning, tracking, and identification of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. The satellites will incorporate a Terran Orbital bus and an infrared missile tracking payload from General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems - Optical Sensor Systems. Additionally, each satellite will be equipped with SmartSat™, Lockheed Martin's software platform that facilitates dynamic mission changes in orbit.

Michael Corriea, vice president of Warning Programs at Lockheed Martin Space, highlighted the company's commitment to the SDA's mission, stating, "As missile threats increase from around the world, we fully support the proliferated space architecture the SDA is building to protect our nation and allies. We’ve made a significant investment in digital and production technologies, and with our experience supporting SDA spacecraft, we’re looking forward to delivering the next level of capability."

This contract not only underscores Lockheed Martin's technological prowess but also signals a significant milestone in the development of space-based missile defense systems. The company's expertise in space technologies and its strategic investments in digital and production technologies position it as a key player in the evolving defense landscape.