Space Tracking and Surveillance System

Abstract

With the successful launch of two Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration (STSS-D) Satellites in 2009, the agency has on-orbit capability to validate remote sensor and fire control integration to inform the design and operation of future Missile Defense Agency (MDA) space-layer capabilities, to characterize contribution of space data into the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) architecture, and to provide sensor measurements and background data supporting trade studies and analyses for future MDA space-layer options and Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) IIB development. Lessons learned from the two STSS-D satellites are guiding decisions on the development of a fiscally sustainable, continuously available, future operational constellation and ground communications/processing system. STSS-D is providing risk reduction for future MDA space-layer options 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-D 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-D will emphasize continued research and development to address the more sophisticated threats the Agency expects 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-D is a capability development activity for the demonstration of technologies to support development and capability delivery of future MDA space-layer options. In addition, the STSS-D 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 STSS-D testing has validated the ability to track cold, midcourse objects from space and close the fire control loop with BMDS interceptors. During several Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Flight Tests, STSS-D 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). Finally, STSS-D provides a new infrared sensor phenomenology for the BMDS that will demonstrate the benefit of future MDA space-layer capabilities when combined with radars that will provide robustness against current and advanced countermeasures. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has developed, and is testing, two STSS-D satellites to demonstrate key functions of space sensors in support of future MDA space-layer options risk reduction. STSS-D 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 Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) level testing. Key data from the STSS-D satellites efforts continue to provide lessons learned as MDA pursues longer term space sensor needs. - Space sensors BMDS sensor coverage to a global level. The STSS-D has demonstrated the capability of satellites to track ballistic missiles and the ability to provide accurate tracking information to the Ballistic Missile Defense System (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-D - Risk reduction for future Missile Defense Agency (MDA) space-layer architectures by demonstrating Aegis Launch on Remote in FY 2013 - Risk reduction for future MDA space-layer architectures by demonstrating the ability to cue or be cued - Demonstrate C2BMC interfaces, sensor registration, communication chains and latencies to support future MDA space-layer concept of operations 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 future MDA space-layer sensors risk reduction and other BMDS element 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 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 Program-Wide Support (PWS) consists of essential non-headquarters management costs in support of the MDA functions and activities across the entire Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2014
• Change Summary Explanation: The FY 2014 reduction reflects a realignment of Department of Defense priorities.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Artificial Satellites
• Ballistic Missiles
• Battle Management
• Contracts
• Defense Systems
• Detection
• Earth Orbits
• Lessons Learned
• Low Earth Orbits
• Resident Space Objects
• Space Based
• Space Objects
• Space Systems
• Surveillance
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• 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