L3Harris Secures $90M Contract Extension to Modernize ATLAS for US Space Force

L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a significant $90-million contract extension by the US Space Force to continue enhancing the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), a vital component in the US military’s Space Domain Awareness (SDA) efforts.

This extension, announced last March 19, reflects the growing importance of space operations and surveillance in ensuring national security and defense capabilities in the rapidly evolving space environment.

A Crucial Role in Space Domain Awareness

The new contract is a continuation of a partnership that aims to improve the US Space Force’s ability to detect, track, and respond to emerging space threats, including anti-satellite capabilities.

Space Domain Awareness is a critical priority for the US Department of Defense, as the need to monitor and protect space assets from adversaries becomes more urgent.

Under the $90-million contract, L3Harris will develop, integrate, and deliver a suite of advanced astrometric tools to enhance the ATLAS system. These tools are designed to increase the speed, accuracy, and relevancy of tracking satellites and space debris, providing the Space Force with enhanced command and control (C2) capabilities.

The ATLAS system is integral to SDA, as it consolidates intelligence, operational data, and system readiness assessments to support decision-making and course-of-action development.

Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, emphasized the critical role of Space Domain Awareness in defending US national interests.

“Our work on the ATLAS program will enhance space operations and will help prevent adversaries from disrupting, degrading, and destroying US space capabilities,” Zoiss said.

Modernizing Command and Control

The modernization of ATLAS is expected to significantly improve the Space Force’s ability to respond to potential space threats. By enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of space object tracking, the system will enable warfighters to avoid operational surprises and ensure rapid, precise responses to emerging anti-satellite threats.

This is especially important as the US military faces increasingly sophisticated threats from adversaries seeking to disrupt US space operations.

L3Harris has been a key player in supporting the US military’s space superiority mission for over 30 years, delivering proven solutions to protect space assets and increase warfighter readiness.

The company’s ongoing work on the ATLAS system aligns with the US Space Force’s long-term objectives to maintain its edge in space, a domain that has become increasingly contested.

Broader Implications for the US Space Force

This contract extension is part of the US Space Force’s broader strategy to modernize its space domain awareness systems and ensure the continued protection of critical space assets.

As adversaries like China and Russia advance their space capabilities, the US is prioritizing investments in technologies that enhance its ability to monitor and control space operations effectively.

L3Harris’ role in this modernization is particularly significant as it helps the Space Force maintain operational superiority and ensure the security of US military satellites and other space-based assets. By improving ATLAS, the Space Force will be better equipped to track both satellites and space debris, two critical elements for space safety.

As adversaries test new and advanced hypersonic missiles, life as we know it, defends on our defense capabilities in space.

“The good news for our nation is back in 2019, the Space Development Agency and Missile Defense Agency put L3Harris on contract for a new class of space… https://t.co/B69oGerZnS

— L3Harris (@L3HarrisTech) March 24, 2025

This enhanced capability is essential for maintaining the integrity of US space operations and ensuring that the military can quickly respond to potential threats.

Future Developments and Continued Investment

Looking ahead, the ATLAS modernization program will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge and space threats become more complex.

L3Harris’ work will be central to advancing the US Space Force’s capabilities in space domain awareness, ensuring that the military remains equipped to handle future challenges in space.

This contract is not L3Harris’ first involvement in supporting US space efforts.

In 2023, the US Space Force awarded the company a $29 million contract to develop a sensor payload for a satellite-based missile warning system, further underscoring L3Harris’ role as a critical partner in space defense initiatives.

In Summary

L3Harris’ $90-million contract extension to continue modernizing the ATLAS system marks a significant step forward for the US Space Force in strengthening its space domain awareness capabilities. By enhancing tracking accuracy, response times, and command and control capabilities, this modernization will improve the military’s ability to protect space assets and respond effectively to emerging threats.

As the US faces an increasingly contested space environment, L3Harris’ contributions will be crucial in maintaining national security and preserving the US military’s dominance in space.