Missile Defense: Precision Tracking Space System Evaluation of Alternatives
Abstract
The Missile Defense Agency's Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS) is intended to be a satellite system equipped with infrared sensors that track ballistic missiles through their emitted heat. The planned satellite system includes a constellation of nine satellites in orbit at the same time around the earth's equator. In April 2013, the Department of Defense (DOD) officially proposed canceling the PTSS program because of concerns with the program's high-risk acquisition strategy and long-term affordability. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), signed into law on January 2, 2013, mandated, among other things, that DOD's Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) conduct an evaluation of PTSS alternatives and report it to the congressional defense committees no later than April 30, 2013. The act also limited the use of funds made available for fiscal year 2013 for PTSS until (1) DOD submitted to the congressional defense committees a formal plan for the evaluation of PTSS alternatives - called a terms of reference - that had been approved by the Missile Defense Executive Board in coordination with the Defense Space Council, and (2) CAPE completed the evaluation of alternatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 2013
- Accession Number
- AD1171748
Entities
People
- Cristina Chaplain
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office