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 the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) space-layer capabilities. MDA uses STSS data to characterize contribution of space data into the Missile Defense System (MDS) and to provide sensor measurements and background data supporting trade studies and analyses for MDA space-layer options for both Homeland and Regional Defense. STSS continues to provide risk reduction for 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 MDS 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 Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). The STSS program demonstrates the functions and interfaces required for space data delivery to the MDS, 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 (e.g., Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor) by viewing high-value Targets of Opportunity and participating in MDS flight tests. Though the STSS satellites are operating beyond their life expectancy, MDA continues STSS operations due to the continued contributions to the MDS mission. Based on annual health and status assessment of the STSS satellites, a decision to passivate the STSS satellites in FY 2022 was made. This decision enables a safe conclusion and continued stewardship of space for the extremely successful STSS program which demonstrated the necessity of on-orbit detection and tracking capability for the MDS. The MDSC provides MDA's only centralized collaboration and integration environment that leverages existing Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) enterprise integration in support of MDS 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, 2022
• Source ID: 1206893C_4_0400_PB_2022
• Change Summary Explanation: Decrease in FY 2022 reflects decision to passivate the STSS satellites in FY 2022, bringing the program to a conclusion. Funding realigned to PE 1206895C, Budget Project MD42, to support continued development of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) program.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Cyber
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Artificial Satellites
• Battle Management
• Command And Control
• Contractors
• Cybersecurity
• Cyberspace Operations
• Defense Systems
• Detection
• Information Systems
• Lessons Learned
• Product Development
• Risk Analysis
• Situational Awareness
• Space Situational Awareness
• Systems Engineering
• Target Signatures
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics
• Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow
• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects