Ballistic Missile Defense Test

Abstract

Missile Defense Agency (MDA) utilizes a disciplined system engineering process to develop and integrate the Missile Defense System 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 Missile Defense System Capability, followed by transfer of selected capabilities. The Missile Defense System Test Program Element is responsible for testing that provides critical data to: determine validity of models and simulations used to verify and assess Missile Defense System capabilities; validate that Elements and Components are properly designed, built, and integrated; and provide confidence that the Missile Defense System 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 process. The Missile Defense System Test Program, as documented in the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), has a primary emphasis to provide the data necessary to verify and assess Missile Defense System capabilities in support of Technical Capability Declarations, and to anchor Missile Defense System M&S. As models are validated and accredited, MDA and the Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency Team will utilize these models to assess Missile Defense System capabilities through a campaign of ground testing. Missile Defense System 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 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, 2024
• Source ID: 0603914C_4_0400_PB_2024
• Change Summary Explanation: Decrease in FY 2024 is in accordance with IMTP requirements.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Cyber
• Kinetic Weapons
• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Business Administration
• Computer Networks
• Cost Analysis
• Cross Domain
• Cyberspace Operations
• Defense Systems
• Information Systems
• Lessons Learned
• Management Personnel
• Product Development
• Risk
• Risk Analysis
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Facilities
• War Games
• Warfare

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

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