The US Space Agency said it received the first images from the first missile warning satellites launched into low Earth orbit on April 2.

“The first tracking satellites built by SpaceX received the first light: infrared images using wide-field sensors,” the agency said in a June 14 post. twitter.

The two tracking satellites were part of the initial launch of SDA Tranche 0, which also included eight data satellites manufactured by York Space Systems. SDA plans to build a widespread network of low-orbit data satellites and a cluster of infrared sensor satellites to provide a shield against Russian and Chinese ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

According to the SDA, the eight York satellites “operate as expected”, although one has an “assembly problem”. These transportation satellites will remain in initial orbit to conduct tests of the Link 16 data terminals. “We will raise orbit after completing the initial tactical communications tests,” the agency said.

Second launch delayed

The agency said SDA expects to launch the second batch of Tranche 0 satellites in late June, but that mission will likely be delayed by at least a month. SDA’s second launch has 13 satellites.

“We are targeting a second launch towards the end of July,” an SDA spokesperson said on June 16. “While we have experienced some delays, SDA is working with partners to piece together the critical elements necessary for the rest of Tranche 0 to deliver its planned tactical data shows,” the official said.

It includes 13 satellites, 10 Lockheed Martin Transport satellites, two SpaceX Tracking satellites and a York Transport satellite. The four L3Harris tracking satellites, again part of the Tranche 0 array, will not be launched with other Tranche 0 satellites and are being carried for a future launch with other Missile Defense Agency sensor satellites.