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 shooters, specifically the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Ground Based Interceptor weapon systems, by way of the BMDS battle manager. The PTSS also focuses on tracking large raids of regional Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles, Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles and 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 PTSS development in FY 2013. Lessons learned from the two Space Tracking & Surveillance System demonstration satellites currently on orbit are guiding our decisions on the development of a fiscally sustainable, continuously available, operational precision track space sensor constellation and ground system. The PTSS provides the effectiveness of a highly available early missile tracking capability from space by developing, launching and operating a pair of developmental satellite articles using an integrated ground control system in FY 2017. The PTSS developmental satellite articles will demonstrate early, precise, real-time tracking of ballistic missiles to close the BMDS fire control loop from space. This capability significantly improves BMDS performance by effectively expanding the threat engagement range of all BMD ships operating in the northern hemisphere. The PTSS 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. PTSS supports essential BMDS functions by: -Continuously observing the U.S. Homeland regional and rogue ballistic missile threat in post-boost. -Sending fire-control quality tracks to the BMDS shooters, specifically the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and Ground Based Interceptor weapon systems, 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, will facilitate trade studies and analyses for SM3-IIB development. The PTSS team capitalizes on expertise from external organizations to aid the design process: -US Air Force. The USAF, as lead service for the PTSS, 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 PTSS 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 PTSS can effectively close the fire control loop from space. To the same end, the USN will embed its personnel in the PTSS hybrid program office. -Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). As both the lead performer on the PTSS and 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. JHU/APL allows the government to manage BMDS interface changes effectively throughout the development articles and maintain intellectual property within the government for future competition. The launch of the developmental satellites is 4Q FY 2017, a 12-month change from the date reported in the FY 2012 President`s Budget. The PTSS schedule was affected by several fact-of-life events, namely: -The seven-month continuing resolution in FY 2011 that restricted PTSS development to only those activities that were authorized in FY 2010. -An appropriation reduction of $30M (45%) in the FY 2011 spending bill that limited the pace of activities in the first year as a program of record. -A continuing resolution in FY 2012 that held back the pace of development to that of the appropriated FY 2011 program. -An appropriation reduction of $80M (50%) in FY 2012 that will further slow planned activities in FY 2012.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2013
• Source ID: MD10_0604883C_4_0400_PB_2013

Tags

Readers

• Missile Defense Systems.
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
• Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Space Objects