Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS)
Abstract
This Program Element funds the development of a space-borne sensor constellation and ground system that closes the fire control loop with the BMDS, specifically starting with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense weapon system. The Precision Tracking Space System also focuses on tracking raids of regional Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles, Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles and potential Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles from today`s regional threats. As threats expand and mature the need for continuously available sensors and faster interceptors supports continued investment in a Precision Tracking Space System development in FY 2012. Lessons learned from the two Space Tracking & Surveillance System demonstration spacecraft currently on orbit will guide our decisions on the development of a fiscally sustainable, continuously available, operational precision track space sensor constellation and ground system. The Precision Tracking Space System provides the effectiveness of a highly available early missile tracking capability from space by developing, launching and operating a set of first spacecraft articles using an integrated ground control system in FY 2016. The Precision Tracking Space System first spacecraft articles will demonstrate early, precise, real-time tracking of ballistic missiles in order to close the BMDS fire control loop from space. This capability significantly improves BMDS performance. The Precision Tracking Space System avoids some of the challenges of terrestrial and airborne sensors. -Provides reliable and constantly available ballistic missile tracking capability in the areas of the world of most concern. -Eliminates the need for host nation agreements. -Does not require transport to theater or limit our operational flexibility. -Mitigates the impacts of weather effects (clouds, crosswinds and icing for airborne, and rain for radar). -Deals with threats arising from unexpected locations or adversaries. -Greatly lowers operation and maintenance costs. -Observes and tracks launches beyond the range of airborne and terrestrial sensors. Precision Tracking Space System supports essential BMDS functions by: -Continuously observing the regional and rogue ballistic missile threat in post-boost. -Sending fire-control quality tracks to the BMDS, specifically the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense weapon system by way of the BMDS battle manager. -Tracking large raids of nearly simultaneously launched missiles. -Providing radiometric data supporting challenging post-boost detection requirements, object classification, and hit/kill assessments. -Adding infrared-based tracking to the existing radio frequency sensors in the architecture for dual phenomenology. -Providing coverage of the geographic regions and latitudes of concern. -Contributing modeling and simulation (M&S) emulation models to the BMDS-level M&S environment. The Precision Tracking Space System models, when added to M&S products from other BMDS elements and advanced technology projects like Airborne Infrared, will facilitate trade studies and analyses for SM3-IIB development. The Precision Tracking Space System team capitalizes on expertise from external organizations to aid the design process: -US Air Force. The USAF, as presumed lead service for the Precision Tracking Space System, provides operations and sustainment strategies and concepts to ensure the ground and space segments can be easily transferred to a service. The USAF has embedded its personnel in the Precision Tracking Space System hybrid program office to facilitate this function. -US Navy. The USN, as operator of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense weapon system, is providing assured communications and weapon system expertise so that the Precision Tracking Space System can effectively close the fire control loop from space. To the same end, the USN will embed its personnel in the Precision Tracking Space System hybrid program office. -Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). As both the lead performer on the Precision Tracking Space System and the design expert for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense weapon system, JHU/APL shortens the communications chain by leveraging the collocation of its two design teams.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- MD10_0604883C_4_0400_PB_2012
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