SPACE TRACKING & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Abstract

The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) launched two demonstration satellites on 25 September 2009 and has begun integration with BMDS testing through participation in tests as a mandatory asset on an as capable basis even as system functionality testing has been progressing. Upon completion of the system functionality tests, the satellites will dedicate efforts to performance testing. Funds are provided for STSS on-orbit operations which includes contractor operation of the STSS Demonstration Satellites and software upgrades; Government costs; BMDS Level Testing and Element Integration and Testing; Data Collection and Analysis activities; and Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) tests and experiments. Space Tracking and Surveillance System (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 Combatant Commanders. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) is a capability development activity for the demonstration of technologies to support development and future capability delivery of the BMDS space layer. 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 on-going STSS testing will validate the ability to track cold, midcourse objects from space and close the fire control loop with BMDS interceptors. Additionally, STSS provides a new infrared sensor phenomenology for the BMDS, 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 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. Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) 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 includes 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, 2012
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: This program has realized $4.414 million in efficiency savings.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Air Force Research Laboratories
• Artificial Satellites
• Ballistic Missiles
• Battle Management
• Civilian Personnel
• Contractors
• Contracts
• Cost Analysis
• Engineering
• Lessons Learned
• Near Field
• Personnel Management
• Space Systems
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation

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