Space Tracking & Surveillance System

Abstract

Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) With the successful launch of two (STSS) demonstration satellites in 2009, the agency has on-orbit capability to validate remote sensor and fire control integration to inform the design and operation of the Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS), to characterize contribution of space data into the BMDS architecture, and to provide sensor measurements and background data supporting trade studies and analyses for PTSS and Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) IIB development. Lessons learned from the two STSS demonstration satellites are guiding decisions on the development of a fiscally sustainable, continuously available, operational PTSS constellation and ground communications/processing system. Beginning FY 2013, funding in this element is provided for STSS on-orbit operations which includes contractor operation of the STSS Demonstration Satellites and software maintenance, Government costs, BMDS Level Testing, Data Collection and Analysis activities, and the NFIRE satellites tests and experiments. Funding availability for NFIRE will be determined as the health and utility of the satellite is assessed for FY 2013. STSS is providing risk reduction for PTSS models, algorithms, sensors and spacecraft development by providing background and clutter scene characterization, complex target signatures, interface definition, communications architectures, and performance across acquisition, tracking, and discrimination. STSS is also providing definition to BMDS Concept of Operations, timelines and performance requirements for sensor cuing and weapons engagement such as Aegis Launch On/Engage On from remote space sensors. STSS will emphasize continued research and development to address the more sophisticated threats we expect to encounter in the far term. The greatest protection 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. STSS is a capability development activity for the demonstration of technologies to support development and future capability delivery of the BMDS space layer, PTSS. For example, during Aegis Intercept Flight Test (FTM-15), STSS demonstrated the capability to receive an external cue and transmit that cue to the out-of-view STSS satellite, resulting in stereo midcourse tracking. This provided significant risk reduction for PTSS by closely emulating a communication, cuing, and track reporting chain for an operational engagement. In addition, the STSS Demonstration Satellites have demonstrated 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 systems to be cued to track well beyond their organic detection capability. Data from on-going Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) testing has validated the ability to track cold, midcourse objects from space and close the fire control loop with BMDS interceptors. During several MDA Flight Tests, STSS has provided data in real-time that has met the Aegis Missile Defense Systems Quality of Service (QoS) data requirements for Remote Engagement Authorized (REA). In FY 2013, STSS will provide real-time data to Aegis during a live fire test that will culminate in an actual Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launching against the target using STSS data to initiate the engagement. Finally, STSS provides a new infrared sensor phenomenology for the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) that will demonstrate the benefit of the Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS) when combined with radars that will provide robustness against current and advanced countermeasures. MDA has developed, and is testing, two STSS Demonstration Satellites to demonstrate key functions of space sensors in support of PTSS risk reduction. STSS Element Level testing is funded as part of a capabilities development program and reflected in the Program Element submission. Element testing is based on an integrated, comprehensive, and phased test program. Element systems, subsystems, and components were tested early in development and this testing was necessary prior to conducting BMD level testing. Key data from the STSS Demonstration Satellites efforts continue to provide lessons learned as MDA pursues longer term space sensor needs with PTSS. - Space sensors extend BMDS sensor coverage to a global level. The STSS has demonstrated 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. - 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)) Goals for STSS - Risk reduction for PTSS - Risk reduction for SM-3 IIB interceptor sensor trades - Demonstrate C2BMC interfaces, sensor registration, communication chains and latencies to support PTSS concept of operation development Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) The 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 used this data to validate the models and simulations that are fundamental to developing the guidance and endgame homing algorithms. NFIRE is now focused on PTSS and SM-3 IIB development support by collecting background, clutter, and target signatures for modeling and algorithm development and validation. 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 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 BMDS. Data products are utilized by multiple programs to improve missile engagement performance. Goals for Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) - Conduct multiple data collection missions from the Missile Defense Space Development Center (MDSDC) 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 MD40 consists of Program-Wide Support (PWS) non-headquarters management costs in support of MDA functions and activities across the entire Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2013
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2011 adjustments include Congressional reductions (Department of Defense ((DoD)) and Full year continuing Appropriation Act, Public Law 112-10) and reflects realignment to DoD priorities. The FY 2012 decrease reflects a congressional reduction (Consolidated Appropriation Act of FY 2012 (Public Law 112-74)). The FY 2013 reduction reflects a realignment of DoD priorities.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Artificial Satellites
• Ballistic Missiles
• Battle Management
• Command And Control
• Contractors
• Defense Systems
• Detection
• Detectors
• Earth Orbits
• Ground Based
• Lessons Learned
• Low Earth Orbits
• Space Based
• Space Systems
• Spacecraft
• 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