Jane Edwards 
- BAE Systems has cleared a milestone on the MEO Epoch 2 missile warning program
- The program moves into its next production phase following the review
- BAE will deliver 10 satellites and a supporting ground system
BAE Systems has concluded the critical design review of the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking Medium Earth Orbit Epoch 2, or MEO Epoch 2, program for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
The company said Monday the review confirmed compliance with program requirements, allowing the effort to advance to its next phase of production.
How Did BAE Systems Complete the Review?
The critical design review was completed 14 months after the Space Force awarded the program, a pace that was supported by long-lead procurements secured over the past year and digital modeling and simulation.
“Digital modelling and simulation, based on early collaboration and ongoing communication with the customer, helped us to achieve this successful Critical Design Review quickly,” said Thai Sheridan, vice president and general manager of military space for BAE’s space and mission systems. “We’re now able to fully engage our vertically integrated production capabilities as we guide the program with mission planning, payload and bus delivery, and operational command and control capabilities.”
What Is MEO Epoch 2?
MEO Epoch 2 is a Space Systems Command program that aims to provide space-based warning and tracking capabilities to defend against various missile threats. BAE is the program’s prime contractor.
Under the program, BAE will work to design and build 10 spacecraft and develop the accompanying ground system.
In June 2025, BAE received a $1.2 billion contract to develop and deliver 10 Epoch 2 satellites for the Space Force’s resilient missile warning and tracking effort. In March, the program cleared the preliminary design review phase, marking an earlier milestone ahead of the critical design review.
What Military Contracts Has BAE Systems Recently Secured?
The CDR completion follows a series of contract awards to BAE Systems this year. In January, the company secured a $473 million Army contract for M109A7 Paladin howitzers and a $256 million Navy contract for the USS Iwo Jima amphibious assault ship’s fiscal year 2026 maintenance, modernization and repair work.
In August, BAE received a $253 million Navy contract for Aegis radio communication systems, covering engineering, integration, testing and training for C4I radio systems aboard Navy surface ships.
