The upgrade, delivered under the Ground-Based Optical Sensor System (GBOSS) programme, marks a significant enhancement of the Space Surveillance Network’s capabilities. The modernisation effort extends the operational life of the 35-year-old telescopes and significantly improves their ability to detect, track, and respond to space-based threats.

“This successful operational acceptance highlights L3Harris’ commitment to advancing the nation’s Space Domain Awareness,” said Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. “Upgrading these legacy telescopes enables expanded coverage of space, supporting the mission to deter conflict, defeat aggression and protect U.S. interests.”

The project is part of L3Harris’ broader role in providing space domain awareness and integrated vision solutions to the Department of Defence and other U.S. government agencies. This includes helping to maintain the asymmetric advantage needed to counter evolving space threats.

The upgrade will be followed by additional enhancements to telescopes in Maui, Hawaii, scheduled for later this year, further reinforcing U.S. space surveillance capabilities.

Colonel Barry Croker, Commander of Mission Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness, U.S. Space Force, described the upgrade as a game-changer:

“The GBOSS upgrade represents a leap forward in capability for the joint warfighter. It will further enhance the space domain awareness data Mission Delta 2 Guardians provide to inform decision making, orient fires, and enable manoeuvres across all military service domains.”

In parallel, L3Harris continues to support the Space Force through strategic contracts such as the Maintenance of Space Situational Awareness Integrated Capabilities and the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System. These programmes aim to ensure warfighters have the intelligence and tools they need to maintain space superiority and defend U.S. national interests in the increasingly contested space environment.