Ground Based Interceptor
Abstract
Each Ground Based Interceptor delivers a single kill vehicle to counter allocated threats in space during the midcourse phase of the threat's ballistic trajectory. The Ground Based Interceptor project conducts the analysis and testing necessary to characterize the reliability and service life of the operational Ground Based Interceptor fleet and uses the data to support USNORTHCOM in management of the Ground Based Interceptor fleet, development of fleet maintenance strategies, and extend the Ground Based Interceptor service life. In addition, the Ground Based Interceptor project uses the Ground Based Interceptor service life data to inform GMD Weapon System/Ground Based Interceptor SLEP project accomplishments in order to execute reliability upgrades for existing Ground Based Interceptor components. The Ground Based Interceptor project also continues to develop and field software upgrades to implement stand-alone and integrated Missile Defense System discrimination upgrades improving the ability to counter the allocated threats. Recurring efforts include: -Collect and analyze operational Ground Based Interceptor fleet reliability, availability, maintainability, and testability data in order to support USNORTHCOM in management of the Ground Based Interceptor fleet and development of fleet maintenance strategies via the DSC and In-Service Ground Based Interceptor Fleet contracts. -Conduct Ground Based Interceptor reliability program activities to develop and test replacement components to extend the Ground Based Interceptor service life via the DSC, the Booster Sustainment Contract (BSC), and the Ground Based Interceptor test and sustainment acquisition. -Conduct rocket motor propellant studies and stockpile reliability functional testing of naturally aged Ground Based Interceptor parts removed from previously operational Ground Based Interceptors during upgrade/modification to understand performance and aging characteristics in order to support USNORTHCOM in management of the Ground Based Interceptor fleet, development of fleet maintenance strategies, and extend the Ground Based Interceptor service life. -Conduct Ground Based Interceptor Development and Integration Laboratory (GDIL) operations to support integrated Ground Based Interceptor to GMD Weapon System design, interface, and procedure verification via the DSC and the Ground Based Interceptor test and sustainment acquisition. -Conduct analysis of Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) Maintenance Built-In Test (MBIT) data to include failure analysis as required via the DSC and the EKV Sustainment Contract (ESC). -Conduct EKV space chamber testing operations to support Ground Based Interceptor analysis of emerging threats and analysis of performance improvements from discrimination upgrades via the DSC and the ESC. Specific and/or unique accomplishments to each FY are as follows:
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- a05fd3194bb05e587a080320b4b0d49d