SPACE TRACKING & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Abstract

The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) launched two demonstration satellites on 25 September 2009 and has completed 50% of its system functionality testing. Upon completion of the system functionality tests, the satellites will begin system performance testing. Improved quality of service (i.e., track data of sufficient accuracy and low enough latency to enable weapons to complete ballistic missile engagements) is provided by STSS within the context of this Program Element. Funds are provided for STSS on-orbit operations which includes contractor operation of the STSS Demonstration Satellites and software upgrades (through FY 2010); Government costs; Element and BMDS Testing; Data Collection and Analysis activities. Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) tests and experiments are funded through FY 2010. Funding will also be provided for engineering efforts associated with Common Threat activities. STSS The STSS program will emphasize continued research and development to address the more sophisticated threats we expect to encounter in the far term. The greatest hedge against missile defense threats of all ranges remains a highly available early missile tracking capability from space. Space sensors provide the most cost effective and operationally suitable means of providing global persistent surveillance and engagement, directly addressing the number one missile defense priority need for STRATCOM and other Combatant Commanders. The STSS Demonstration Satellites will demonstrate the ability of a space sensor to provide high precision, real time tracking of missiles and midcourse objects, thus enabling simultaneous regional, theater, and strategic missile defense. Data from STSS testing planned for FY 2010 and FY 2011 will validate the ability to track cold, midcourse objects and close the fire control loop with BMDS interceptors from space. Additionally, STSS provides a new infrared sensor phenomenology for the BMDS, which, when combined with radars, provides robustness against current and advanced countermeasures. MDA has developed and is testing the STSS Demonstration Satellites to demonstrate key functions of space sensors. Lessons learned from the Demonstration Satellites efforts will provide key data as MDA pursues longer term space sensor needs. Space sensors extend BMDS sensor coverage to a global level. STSS will demonstrate the capability of satellites to track ballistic missiles and the ability to provide accurate tracking information to the BMDS battle manager to close the global fire control loop with BMDS interceptors, thus extending the effective range of BMDS interceptors and other sensors. Space-based sensors are not limited by basing rights issues or deployment decisions, and will allow cost effective coverage of countries and large areas not accessible from ground based sensors. Approximately fifty Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance - Model 2 (TPY-2) radars or approximately twenty sea-based X-Band radars are required to provide the equivalent mid-latitude coverage of a spaced-based constellation. Space based visible and Infrared (IR) sensors will complement radars and contribute to a sensor architecture more robust to countermeasures. Space-based sensors will enable near continuous threat observation and tracking from launch to intercept, covering threats by augmenting the coverage of the BMDS radars, and providing state vectors to Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) to enable interceptor fire control via multiple BMDS assets (Aegis, Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)) MDA Element testing is based on an integrated, comprehensive, and phased test program. Element systems, subsystems, and components are tested early in development and are necessary prior to conducting BMD-System level testing. Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Element Level testing is funded as part of a capabilities development program and reflected in this Program Element (PE) submission. BMD Test and Targets Element within PE 0603888C in the consolidated MDA-wide System Test Program will execute funds in support of this PE for the planning, design, execution, and management of STSS Demonstration Satellites in the BMD System testing in accordance with the BMDS Test Policy, MDA Directive 3202.03 (Jan 09). This applies to all Flight, Integrated Ground, and Distributed Ground Tests and Post-test analysis and reconstructions listed in the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP). Goals for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Demonstration Satellites include: Demonstrate capability of space sensors in the utilization of STSS as a mandatory asset for all future MDA flight tests Demonstrate capability to acquire, track and report ballistic missile and intercept events from lift-off through midcourse to reentry Demonstrate capability to perform autonomous acquisition-to-track handover within a satellite Demonstrate capability to perform track handover to a satellite from Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) or other sources Demonstrate capability to uplink commands and downlink mission, health, and status data directly and via cross link satellite-to-satellite Develop upgrades to enable demonstration of tracking advanced threats, closing the fire control loop with Aegis, and rapid distribution of real-time STSS data to multiple users Demonstrate closing the global fire control loop with BMDS weapons and integrated testing Near Field Infrared Experiment The Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) technology project was designed to collect near field phenomenology data for use in plume to hard body handover algorithms for boost phase interceptor programs. MDA is using this data to validate the models and simulations that are fundamental to developing the guidance and endgame homing algorithms for boost phase interceptors. A secondary objective of the experiment has been to collect hyper-temporal short wave infrared and visible data for assessing early launch detection and tracking capability. The experiment included three plume signature mission types: targets of opportunity, dedicated fly-bys, and ground observations. The dedicated fly-by experiments have been accomplished. The Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellite also carries a Laser Communication Terminal, which has been and continues to be used to conduct communication experiments with the German Terra SAR-X satellite. These experiments test low earth orbit satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite capabilities of the terminal for potential incorporation into the Ballistic Missile Defense System. The NFIRE satellite is operated from the Missile Defense Space Experimentation Center (MDSEC) by the Ballistic Missile Defense Space System. Data products are utilized by multiple programs to improve missile engagement performance. Goals for Near Field Infrared Experiment: Conduct multiple data collection missions from the MDSEC against ground, air, space and ballistic missile targets of opportunity Conduct low earth orbit satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground laser communication experiments Provide data to validate models and simulations that are fundamental to developing the navigation, guidance and control, and endgame homing algorithms, as well as laser communication proof of concept

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2009 increase of $.908 million reflects MDA programmatic changes to support program requirements and SBIR/STTR transfer. FY 2010 decrease of $18.391 million reflects Congressional directed and undistributed reductions. No FY 2011 data provided in PB10.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Air Force Research Laboratories
• Artificial Satellites
• Battle Management
• Command And Control
• Contractors
• Defense Systems
• Earth Orbits
• Lessons Learned
• Low Earth Orbits
• Performance Tests
• Space Objects
• Space Systems
• Spacecraft
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• War Games

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Missile Defense Systems.
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects