Integrated Flight Experiment (IFX) Laser Payload Element (LPE) Progress
Abstract
The U.S. Air Force is pursuing a technology demonstration program aimed at launching an experimental laser into space. The program will help Department of Defense policy-makers decide whether to pursue an operational Space Based Laser (SBL) system designed to protect the United States and its allies from ballistic missiles as part of a layered defense. Designated the Integrated Flight experiment (IFX), it consists of four elements: Laser Payload Element (LPE), Beam Control Element (BCE), Beam Director Element (BDE) and Spacecraft Element (SCE). Three of the world's premier aerospace companies, TRW, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin, have joined to form the Space Based Laser Integrated Flight Experiment Team as an equal partnership Joint Venture (JV). The JV is partnered with the Air Force Space and Missile Center and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization to conduct the SBL IFX Project. The SBL IFX Project is to design, develop and test an on-orbit SBL and demonstrate the feasibility of an SBL for ballistic missile defense. The IFX Project is a pre-milestone zero research effort with its inherent technical uncertainties and funding variability. Risk management consists of balancing IFX costs with technical and schedule risks, while focusing on achieving the project objectives. SBL is being pursued in a technology demonstration program aimed at launching an experimental laser into space in 2012 to shoot down a ballistic missile in 2013 (see Figure 1). The technology demonstration will be conducted in full compliance with all relevant international treaties, including the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972. In the future, an operational SBL would be integrated within the National Missile Defense architecture and the family of theater missile defense programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 23, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP011193
Entities
People
- Jarom Jackson
- Marty Wacks
- Matthew E. Zuber