Space Tracking and Surveillance System

Abstract

With the successful launch of two Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) 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 MDA space-layer capabilities. MDA uses STSS data to characterize contribution of space data into the BMDS architecture and to provide sensor measurements and background data supporting trade studies and analyses for future MDA space-layer options in support of sensor development and discrimination improvements. Lessons learned from the two STSS satellites are guiding decisions on the development of a fiscally sustainable, continuously available, future operational constellation and ground communications/processing system. STSS is providing risk reduction for future MDA space-layer options, models, algorithms, sensors and spacecraft development by collecting complex target signatures, interface definitions, communications architectures, and performance information across threat object acquisition, tracking, and discrimination. STSS also informs the BMDS Concept of Operations, timelines and performance requirements for remote space sensor cuing for ballistic missile engagements, expanding battle space for weapon systems such as Aegis BMD. The goal for STSS satellites is to demonstrate space-based capabilities including persistent tracking and integrated BMDS discrimination improvements. Early missile tracking capability from space provides a 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 will emphasize continued research and development to address the more sophisticated threats the Agency expects in the far term by demonstrating technologies that support development and capability delivery of future MDA space-layer options. The STSS satellites 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 systems to be cued to track well beyond their organic detection capability. Data from on-going 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 real-time data that met the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Systems' Quality of Service requirements for “Remote Engagement Authorized.” Finally, STSS demonstrates the benefit of future MDA space-layer capabilities that, when combined with radars, will provide robust tracking and discrimination capabilities against current and advanced countermeasures. MDA developed and is using two STSS satellites to demonstrate key functions of space sensors to reduce risk for future BMDS space-layer options. STSS testing is funded as part of a capabilities development program and reflected in the Program Element submission. The wealth of data and lessons learned from the STSS satellites efforts continue to provide insights as MDA pursues longer term space sensor needs. This program element assumed funding responsibility from program element 0603895C for the Missile Defense Space Center (MDSC) efforts supporting STSS operations and sustainment beginning in FY 2016. The portion of the MDSC that supports the Spacebased Kill Assessment program remained in program element 0603895C. Funding burden was offset through realized STSS operational efficiencies. The MDSC provides a centralized collaboration and integration environment for BMDS sensor operations. The MDSC capabilities and infrastructure support flight tests, concept development, demonstrations, experiments, and algorithm development within a multi-security level, collaborative environment. As part of a collaborative environment, the MDSC also conducts studies and experiments with Air Force Space Command to optimize future MDA space-layer options to support Space Situational Awareness (SSA). The Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) technology project was designed to collect near field phenomenology data for use in developing plume to hard body handover algorithms for boost phase interceptor programs. The NFIRE satellite carried a Laser Communication Terminal, which was used to conduct communication experiments with the German Terra SAR-X satellite. These experiments tested low earth orbit satellite-to-ground and satellite-to-satellite capabilities of the terminal for potential incorporation into the Ballistic Missile Defense System. NFIRE successfully completed all missions and data products were utilized by multiple Department of Defense programs to improve missile engagement performance. The NFIRE program executed an option for satellite End-of-Life in FY 2015 and initiated safe satellite de-orbit. The NFIRE satellite orbit was successfully lowered below human space flight region and deactivated on 5 August 2015. NFIRE reentered the atmosphere on 4 November 2015 over the Atlantic Ocean as officially reported by the Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC), Joint Functional Component Command for Space (JFCC SPACE), United States Strategic Command. MD40 Program-Wide Support (PWS) consists of essential non-headquarters management efforts providing integrated and efficient support to MDA functions and activities across the entire BMDS.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2017
• Change Summary Explanation: The FY 2015 adjustments reflect a reallocation of $0.523M for SBIR/STTR Transfer and a reallocation of $1.278M to PE 06039895C for Spacebased Kill Assessment development. The FY 2017 adjustment reflects an increase to maintain the current level of Space Tracking and Surveillance System operations.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Artificial Satellites
• Battle Management
• Contractors
• Control Systems
• Defense Systems
• Department Of Defense
• Detection
• Earth Orbits
• Lessons Learned
• Low Earth Orbits
• National Security
• Reconnaissance Satellites
• Situational Awareness
• Space Situational Awareness
• Space Systems
• Test And Evaluation
• United States Strategic Command

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy
• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects