An artist's concept depicts two Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) satellites. Credit: Northrop Grumman

The Missile Defense Agency is pursuing the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) program as a space-based sensor component of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Using sensors capable of detecting visible and infrared light, the Space Tracking and Surveillance System constellation of satellites will become part of a collection of land-, sea-, air-, and space-based BMDS sensors.

Overview

• Two research and development satellites will be launched into low earth orbit in 2009.
• A ground segment has been developed to operate the satellites and provide an interface to the BMDS.
• The STSS Demonstration Program will demonstrate the key functions of a space-based sensor, passing missile tracking data to missile defense interceptors with the accuracy and timeliness necessary to enable them to successfully intercept missile targets.
• Lessons learned from the on-orbit operation of the demonstration satellites will provide a foundation to proceed with the fielding of an operational constellation.

Initial Program

• The demonstration satellites have completed buildup, integration, systems testing, and environmental testing, and are in final prelaunch preparation.
• Two satellites will be launched together on a single Delta II launch vehicle in 2009.
• The STSS ground station is currently functional and is being used to train and certify operators. The ground segment will communicate with the BMDS Command and Control, Battle Management and Communication system.
• The STSS will perform on-orbit testing of sensor performance against ground targets, airborne targets and short and long range ballistic missile targets.
• The demonstration satellites are expected to be available for two to four years after launch.

Next Steps

• The Missile Defense Agency will use early on-orbit testing of the Demonstration Program satellites to refine software and processes to enhance the usefulness of the demonstration satellites.
• On-orbit satellites will test and demonstrate key knowledge areas in 2009/2010:
  • Birth-to-death tracking of strategic and tactical missiles.
  • Ability to hand-off timely midcourse track data to the BMDS kill chain.
  • Integrated space-based tracking in support of missile defense.
• Upgrading ground station and spacecraft software will improve the demonstration satellites and reduce risk for future satellite development.