Successful Identification of GBI by Space Tracking and Surveillance System

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Raytheon Company’s Space tracking and surveillance system (STSS) demonstration satellites effectively identified a two-stage GBI (Ground-based Interceptor) on the 6th of June, 2010 when a U.S. Missile Defense flight was tested.

The information gathered by the sensors of the satellite was passed on to the base station for the dual demonstration spacecrafts which is the Missile Defense Integration and Operation Center, located in Colorado Springs.

According to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems’ Vice President (missile defense and missile warning programs), Gabe Watson, track data of high quality was obtained as predicted, when the STSS Satellite started working and the first missile was tested This establishes the importance of space-based sensors in projectile defense by being able to identify and also follow the movements of missiles during their flight.

The STSS Demonstration program confirmed the satellite’s capacity to track missiles, thereby helping in perfecting technologies that are used in the working of an operational constellation. The early Interception of dangerous projectiles in motion is the function of the operational constellation, thereby considerably developing the country’s missile security arrangements for the nation’s military troops and its citizens.