Coupling Assured Space and Missile Defense
Abstract
The commander, from the strategic level to the tactical level, and his forces need precise information to better support attack operations; timely, precise in-flight information to better focus active defense assets; and refined impact prediction to better focus active defense assets and direct passive defense efforts. To do this, all sensor data must be fused and correlated. The Missile Defense Agency has done an exceptional job of leveraging and integrating the data from sensors that were built for service missions and needs into a common alerting system for the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). BMDS sensor robustness lies in the ability to receive, integrate and process data from multiple sensors. The system is dependent on electrons moving from sensor to sensor to ground stations or weapon systems, often through Space rather than through land lines of fiber. Our Nation's military and those of our allies are becoming increasingly dependent on Space because of what Space-based systems enable forces to do. The United States' national security is critically dependent upon Space capabilities, and this dependence will grow. Army doctrine in Field Manual 3-0 lists protection of Space assets as a component of force protection, and that statement is echoed in the 2006 Army Space Master Plan. Several initiatives are moving forward to assure the Army's access to Space-based systems and capabilities. The initiatives fall into two categories: they either provide Space and near-Space platforms, or they protect those systems. One initiative is the high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) program. The objective for HALE platforms is to provide commanders with an operationally responsive system that they can tailor with a single or multi-mission payload. Another initiative, Operationally Responsive Space, focuses on small satellites that are designed for theater coverage with a modest payload, single tasking process, and limited data processing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA518936
Entities
People
- Roger F. Mathews
Organizations
- United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command