Higher Eyes in the Sky: The Feasibility of Moving AWACS and JSTARS Functions into Space

Abstract

During the past few years, Air Force leaders have begun to emphasize space operations. Global Engagement states that we will eventually transition from an Air and Space Force into a Space and Air Force and various leaders have opined that air and space are seamless. Air Force Chief-of-Staff General Fogleman introduced the concept that in the future, we will be able to find, fix, target, track, and engage (F2T2E) any target, anywhere on the earth. In order to actually accomplish F2T2E, the functions currently performed by the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and the E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) will need to migrate to space-based platforms. This thesis explores how such a migration would occur. Before examining space operations, the historical military need for moving target indicators (MTI) is examined, tracing the evolution from hot air balloons to our current AWACS and JSTARS aircraft. Because space systems operate differently from airborne systems, those differences are explored. The organizations involved in space operations are also examined, along with their potential to effect the development of a space-based MTI system. The radar systems of both the AWACS and the JSTARS are described, as well as a few of the most prominent of the proposed space-based systems. The planning for space-based MTI is in its early phases. A Concept of Operations for Space-Based MTI has been written, as has a Space-Based MTI Roadmap. U.S. Space Command has also written a Long Range Plan, which includes Space-based MTI concepts in its plan for 2020. These plans are a good start, but do not address several important issues, including satellite architecture, whether satellite MTI systems should completely replace airborne systems, who should be responsible for the system, and how Battle Managers will operate in the new syst

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1998
Accession Number
ADA391375

Entities

People

  • Kim Corcoran

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Moving Target Indicator Radar
  • Payload
  • Radar
  • Radar Equipment
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Warfare
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Radar Systems Engineering.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space