Space Based Space Surveillance

Abstract

In FY2021, PE 1206425F, Space Situation Awareness Systems efforts were transferred to Appropriation 3620, Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Space Force, PE 1206425SF Space Situation Awareness Systems from Appropriation 3600, Budget Activity 05 due to the creation of a new Appropriation for Space Force. The Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 satellite was launched September 2010 with a design life through 2018 and an extended operational capability through 2020. The SBSS Follow-On (SBSS FO) program will develop and deliver a system to continue providing space object surveillance from space post SBSS Block 10 End-of-Life. AFSPC and NRO have signed a Memorandum of Agreement partnering SBSS FO with an NRO program based on overlapping requirements. The new partner program is called SILENTBARKER. SILENTBARKER requirements are based on a Statement of Capabilities and upon the current Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Initial Capabilities Document architectural requirements focused on protecting High Value Assets. SILENTBARKER will provide the capability to search, detect, and track objects from a space-based sensor for timely custody and event detection. Surveillance from space augments and overcomes existing ground sensor limitations with timely 24-hour above-the-weather collection of satellite metric data only possible with a space-based sensor and then communicates its findings to the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), and other classified users. This program element includes efforts related to SILENTBARKER, its integration into the broader space superiority architecture, and analysis and experimentation to ensure space-based space surveillance capabilities against the evolving threat. Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. Space & Missile Systems Center (SMC) is transforming the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, maximizing innovation and resiliency, leveraging international, commercial, and mission partnerships, and managing program/project priorities according to an integrated unclassified/classified enterprise space architecture. Expanding the appropriate acquisition authorities and contract mechanisms to deliver capability sooner, SMC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose capabilities. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392F and 1206398F. . This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 65A006_1206425F_5_3600_PB_2022

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Space Objects