Space Tracking and Surveillance System

Abstract

The two Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) satellites launched in 2009 provide an on-orbit capability to validate remote sensor fire control integration to inform design and operation of future Missile Defense Agency (MDA) space-layer capabilities. MDA uses STSS data to characterize contribution of space data into the BMDS and to provide sensor measurements and background data supporting trade studies and analyses for future MDA space-layer options for both Homeland and Regional Defense. STSS continues to provide risk reduction for future MDA space capabilities, models, algorithms, interface definitions, communications architectures, and performance across threat object acquisition, tracking, complex target signatures, discrimination and multi-mission support. STSS also informs the Ballistic Missile Defense System (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 STSS program demonstrates the functions and interfaces required for space data delivery to the BMDS, validating the data quality necessary for interceptors to launch and/or engage on STSS sensor data. The two STSS satellites are operated from the ground station processing center at the Missile Defense Space Center (MDSC). The STSS satellites demonstrate MDA space-layer capabilities and reduce risk for future systems by viewing high-value Targets of Opportunity and participating in BMDS flight tests. The MDSC provides MDA's only centralized collaboration and integration environment that leverages existing Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) enterprise integration in support of BMDS research and development test, and sensor operations. The MDSC capabilities and infrastructure support flight tests, operational concept and prototype development, technology demonstrations, experiments, and algorithm development within a multi-security, collaborative environment to integrate and exploit national space asset data. The MDSC also conducts studies and experiments with MDA assets such as the Spacebased Kill Assessment (SKA), and STSS, as well as other agencies' assets.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2018
• Source ID: 0603893C_4_0400_PB_2018
• Change Summary Explanation: In accordance with the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, Section 1601-Major Force Program and Budget for National Security Space Programs, funding for FY2018 and beyond for PE 0603893C is transferred to PE 1206893C. This move aligns funding to the newly established unified major force program for national security space programs to prioritize national security space activities in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Defense and national security.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• C4I
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Artificial Satellites
• Ballistic Missiles
• Battle Management
• Contractors
• Contracts
• Defense Systems
• Department Of Defense
• Lessons Learned
• National Security
• Situational Awareness
• Space Based
• Space Situational Awareness
• Space Systems
• Systems Engineering
• Target Signatures
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects