MD Space Exp Center (MDSEC)

Abstract

The Missile Defense Space Systems operates the Missile Defense Space Experimentation Center (MDSEC) to provide a single location for MDA elements to conduct satellite on-orbit operations and to conduct flight test, demonstrations, experiments, data integration, algorithm development and test, and concept exploration. The annual operating expenses for the MDSEC provide overhead functions to include security, configuration management, engineering, test, demonstration, experiment, data analysis and integration, and logistics support for satellite operations and other MDA stakeholders such as the Sensors Directorate`s External Sensors Lab. The MDSEC Space Layer activities include integration and experimentation across a broad range of BMDS activities to include target signatures, sensor registration, health and status, sensor performance, sensor and weapons netting (with Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) and X-Lab), modeling and simulation, and advanced features, discrimination, typing, clutter mitigation, and target kill and impact point assessments. In addition to the satellite operations for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) and Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) at the MDSEC, the facility provides a multi-level security environment for sensor data management and integration across all space and terrestrial sensor data activities. MDSEC experiments leverage DoD (Defense Support Program, Space Based Infrared System) and National Security Space capabilities. MDSEC activities support analysis, demonstration and integration of space sensor capabilities into developmental and operational MDA elements. MDSEC enables the development of advanced technology and algorithms including fusion of multiple sensor types (radar, overhead persistent infrared, electro-optical and other merging sensor technologies). MDSEC supports mission integration of space-based missile tracking (boost and midcourse phases), sensor and weapons cueing via C2BMC, features and discrimination, kill and impact point assessments into C2BMC, Aegis, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), and other (non-MDA) mission areas to include space situational awareness, technical intelligence, and battle space characterization. The Missile Defense Space Experimentation Center (MDSEC) provides infrastructure to operate and control MDA satellites such Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) and Near Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE). In addition, the MDSEC provides infrastructure to integrate and demonstrate missile defense space capabilities with other defense and national security systems. The MDSEC infrastructure provides MDA stakeholders capabilities for supporting flight tests, conducting concept development, demonstrations, experiments, and developing and evaluating algorithms within a multi-security level environment. MDSEC capabilities include the MDSEC Interchange System (MIS) and the MDSEC Integration Lab. The MIS will provide a common, secure data architecture for MDA, DoD, and National Security Space sensor data and a satellite sensor tasking request tool interface with stakeholders. The MDSEC Lab provides a common location for stakeholder collaboration with access to the space sensor layer data via the MIS during tests and experiments.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: WX33_0603895C_4_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Missile Defense Systems.
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites
• Space - Space Objects