Lockheed Martin Wins $68.6M Contract for Boulder-Based Missile Warning Satellites

The new funding extends work on next-generation infrared satellites to detect missile launches faster and more accurately.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:22am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a next-generation missile warning satellite, with its sensors and antennas glowing with neon cyan and magenta lights against a dark, starry background, conveying the advanced, powerful, and technologically sophisticated nature of this defense system.A new $68.6 million contract will fund the development of advanced missile warning satellites in Boulder, solidifying the city's role as a hub for cutting-edge space technology.Boulder Today

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $68.6 million contract to build missile warning satellites at their facility in Boulder, Colorado. The contract supports the development of next-generation infrared satellites that can detect missile launches more quickly and precisely, anchoring high-tech defense jobs and research activity in the city as the military modernizes its space-based warning systems.

Why it matters

This major contract win solidifies Boulder's position as a hub for the space technology sector, attracting high-paying jobs and research investment. The new satellite program will also play a critical role in the U.S. military's efforts to upgrade its missile detection capabilities, which is an important national security priority.

The details

The $68.6 million contract extends Lockheed Martin's work on the Air Force's next-generation missile warning satellites through at least August 2028. The new satellites will feature improved infrared sensors to detect missile launches faster and more accurately than current systems. This will give military commanders earlier warning of potential threats. The contract award builds on Lockheed Martin's existing presence in Boulder, where it has operated a satellite manufacturing facility for decades.

  • The $68.6 million contract was awarded in April 2026.
  • The contract extends Lockheed Martin's work on the missile warning satellite program through at least August 2028.

The players

Lockheed Martin

An American aerospace, arms, defense, information security, and technology corporation that is a global leader in the manufacturing of satellites, missile systems, and other advanced technologies for the U.S. military and government.

U.S. Air Force

The air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for air superiority, global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, mapping, and other operations.

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What’s next

The Air Force and Lockheed Martin will continue the development and testing of the new missile warning satellites, with the goal of deploying the first units by the end of the decade.

The takeaway

This major contract win solidifies Boulder's status as a hub for the space technology sector, attracting high-paying jobs and research investment. The new satellite program will also play a critical role in modernizing the U.S. military's missile detection capabilities, underscoring the importance of this work to national security.