SDA Delays Missile-Tracking Satellite Launch; What's Preventing Tranche 0 From Arriving?

SDA's missile-tracking satellite launch is expected to be delayed. The Space Defense Agency is supposed to send the so-called Tranche 0 system to outer space before September ends.

Due to some issues, it seems like there will be a change of plan. As of writing, the U.S. government wants efficient defense techs to protect it from missile threats.

As the hypersonic weapons of Russia and China become more advanced (even increasing in numbers), the U.S. DoD (Department of Defense) entrusted the responsibility of creating a missile-tracking satellite system to SDA.

However, the Space Defense Agency seems to be having some issues, leading to a possible delay of Tranche 0.

SDA Delays Missile-Tracking Satellite Launch

According to Interesting Engineering's latest report, Tranche 0's launch has been delayed because of chip shortages.

This is not surprising since many manufacturers are still affected by the ongoing SoC supply issues across the globe.

The automotive industry and other tech sectors are still affected by chipset shortages.

Previously, Derek Tournear, the Space Defense Agency director, said that the launch of the new missile-tracking satellite tech would not be affected by the SoC shortages.

However, SDA said that it decided to push the launch by three months as they still need time to prepare Tranchev 0's launch.

Tranche 0's Second Batch Still on Track

Although the first batch of Tranche 0 is expected to be delayed, SpaceNews reported that the second batch is still on track.

This means that the Tranche 0 second batch will still take off on March 2023. For those unfamiliar with this missile-tracking satellite system, it is a defense tech consisting of around 28 satellites.

The communication satellites will form the Transport Layer of the system. On the other hand, the missile-detecting models will form the Tracking Layer.

You can click this link to check other details about the upcoming Tranche 0.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Agency is reportedly developing a new small military vertical-takeoff airplane.

Previously, the F-35 deliveries have been delayed by Pentagon.

For more news updates about the new Tranche 0 and other defense techs of the U.S., always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by Griffin Davis