MD Space Exp Center (MDSEC)

Abstract

The SKA system is composed of two segments: a space segment and a ground segment. - The space segment is composed of a network of small infrared (IR) sensors (sensors, processor cards and cabling), each mated to a different satellite. The total number of sensors and where they are placed in the network are specifically tailored for the kill assessment mission. The space segment includes key design features to improve its resiliency. - The ground segment is a small network of desktop computers, servers and routers that monitor the health of the on-orbit sensors, command the sensors to perform the kill assessment mission and analyze the data to make a kill assessment determination for the BMDS. The ground segment also includes the equipment necessary for communications security and information assurance. The Missile Defense Space Center (MDSC) is the communications hub for SKA data, routing SKA data between the commercial payload integrator and the SKA Payload Analysis Center. The SKA sensors are hosted on satellites that are not developed by MDA, thus schedule performance is the highest priority of the experiment. Since the launch of the host satellites will not wait for hosted payloads that are delivered late, the management of the SKA project focuses on the ability to meet schedule commitments. In the past year, the commercial satellite host and the launch site owner have made small changes to the launch schedule; however, those changes have not affected SKA delivery commitments to the satellite integrator - the SKA project remains on schedule.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2018
• Source ID: MD33_1206895C_4_0400_PB_2018

Tags

Readers

• Computer Networking
• Missile Defense Systems.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Space
• Space - Satellites