Space Based Space Surveillance
Abstract
Space Domain Awareness (SDA) is one of five core competencies of the Space Force and is the effective identification, characterization, and understanding of any factor, passive or active, associated with the space domain that could affect space operations and thereby impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of our nation. As the foundation for space control, SDA encompasses surveillance of all space objects and activities; detailed surveillance of specific space assets; monitoring space environmental conditions; monitoring cooperative space assets; gathering indications and warning on adversary space operations; and conducting integrated command, control, communications, processing, analysis, dissemination, and archiving activities. This program element develops new network sensors and improved information integration capabilities across the space surveillance network (SSN) while companion program element 1203940SF fields, upgrades, operationalizes, operates, and maintains Space Force sensors and information integration capabilities within the SSN. Activities funded in this program element (1206425SF) also support efforts such as engineering studies and analyses, architectural engineering studies, trade studies, technology needs forecasting, modernization initiatives, systems engineering, system development, and test & evaluation, and may include prototyping and technology demonstration. The Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 satellite was launched September 2010 with a design life through 2017 and an extended operational capability now expected through 2028. The SBSS Follow-On (SBSS FO) program will develop and deliver a system to continue providing space object surveillance from space beyond SBSS Block 10 End-of-Life. The United States Space Force (USSF) and National Reconnaissance Office (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 enables timely detection and custody of on orbit threats in order to protect US High Value Assets in space in support of the National Defense Strategy. SILENTBARKER requirements are based on a Statement of Capabilities and upon the current Space Domain Awareness (SDA) 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. This data is communicated to operators at 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. This program also evaluates affordable Space-Based SDA replenishment options to provide system resiliency and situational awareness necessary to operate in the contested space domain studies through technical analysis, risk reduction experiments, affordable prototyping, and partnership with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). In addition, this program leverages opportunities for space-based commercial, international partnerships, and hosted payloads to support the SDA mission. Space acquisition must respond with speed and agility to emerging adversary threats. Space Systems Command (SSC) has transformed the organization and implementation of space acquisition to an enterprise approach, to increase 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, SSC will strategically execute experimentation, prototyping, risk reduction, and other efforts to develop new or repurpose existing capabilities. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver SILENTBARKER for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. In FY 2021 0.206M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2022 0.220M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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, 2023
- Source ID
- 65A006_1206425SF_5_3620F_PB_2023
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