Ballistic Missile Defense Test

Abstract

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) utilizes a disciplined system engineering process to develop and integrate the Missile Defense System (MDS) into an effective, layered defense against ballistic missiles of all ranges during all phases of flight. This process consists of the following steps: Plan, Define, Design, Build, Test and Verify, Assess, and Deliver MDS Capability, followed by transfer of selected capabilities. The MDS Test Program Element (PE) is responsible for testing that provides critical data to: determine validity of models and simulations used to verify and assess MDS capabilities; validate that Elements and Components are properly designed, built, and integrated; and provide confidence that the MDS will perform as designed. Results from the Test and Verify step provide feedback into the Plan, Define, and Design steps to identify areas for system improvements. Key to the systems engineering process is Modeling and Simulation (M&S), which reflects the integrated operational system's performance. Confidence in M&S is based on a comprehensive Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) process. The MDS Test Program, as documented in the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), has a primary emphasis to provide the data necessary to verify and assess MDS capabilities in support of Technical Capability Declarations, and to anchor MDS M&S. As models are validated and accredited, MDA and the MDS Operational Test Agency (OTA) Team will utilize these models to assess MDS capabilities through a campaign of ground testing. MDS Test Program Functions include: - Represent MDA as the single test authority to the test and evaluation community, international cooperative program representatives, and other organization representatives. - Develop and implement MDA test policy, standards, tools, products, and processes to enable effective tests while balancing MDA and element programmatic needs. - Develop an IMTP that compiles all MDA test objectives, test schedules, and funding requirements from the year of execution through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) time period and beyond. - Act as the single point of contact in MDA for all external ranges and common test resources. - Provide, maintain, and develop common test resources and infrastructure required to execute tests in the MDA Test Program by leveraging element laboratories, ranges, executing agents, and functional expertise, as applicable. - Certify that test personnel are trained and equipped to conduct safe and effective tests. - Provide test personnel and support services to plan and execute tests. - Collect, archive, and distribute all MDA test data/information.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 0603914C_4_0400_PB_2023
• Change Summary Explanation: Increase of $26.2 million in FY 2022 provides the Congressional Plus-ups for Test Infrastructure Improvements. FY 2023 funding increase reflects the fact that the FY 2022 President's Budget request did not include out-year funding.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Cyber
• Human Systems
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Ballistic Missiles
• Computer Networks
• Cost Analysis
• Cross Domain
• Cyber Defense Techniques
• Cyberspace Operations
• Defense Systems
• Information Systems
• Lessons Learned
• National Security
• Risk
• Risk Analysis
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Facilities
• War Games
• Warfare

Readers

• Aerospace Test and Evaluation
• Missile Defense Systems.