Description:
The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS), formerly known as SBIRS-low, will be a low-Earth orbiting network of satellites. STSS satellites will host multi-spectral sensors designed to observe, accurately characterize and report on ballistic missiles on all phases of their flight. From their low-Earth orbit vantage point, STSS satellites will have the unique ability to observe the boost phase, the midcourse flight of ballistic missiles, including post-boost vehicle maneuvers, reentry vehicles deployments and the use of penetration aids and other countermeasures.
The STSS constellation will replace current DSP satellites beginning in the year 2006/07 providing missile warning and technical intelligence gathering. It will provide critical information for planned ABM defenses, currently the GMDS (Ground based Mid-course Defense Segment) and Theater (battlefield) defenses.
The STSS constellation would consist of 20/30 satellites with the ground control center installed in Buckley Air Force Base facilities, Colorado, a secondary ground control center would be placed in the Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. STSS would achieve IOC (Initial Operational Capability) in the 2006/07 timeframe with the first satellite launch. Early plans called for the first launch in 2006 achieving IOC in 2010.
Operators
United States of America
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
United States of America