Space Security Index

Space Security 2011
122
e Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is exploring the development
of broadband data communication links to orbiting constellations. On 13 August, DARPA
awarded an $18-million research contract to Inmarsat for the Persistent Broadband Ground
Connectivity for Spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit program. is could enable persistent
SATCOM capability and real-time control of the satellites from military theaters of
operation. 76
Early Warning
Two STSS demonstrator satellites launched in 2009 provide data for development of an
operational space-based missile warning constellation. e STSS ATRR satellite, launched
as a classied payload on 5 May 2009, demonstrated performance of prototype sensor
technology and will be transferred to the Air Force Space Command for continued situational
space awareness support. 77 In its 2011 budget request, the MDA introduced a new program
element, the Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS), a follow-on eort to STSS for which
$67-million was requested. If approved, MDA will conduct initial reviews in 2011, aiming
to demonstrate functionality of the prototype PTSS system by 2014. 78
Eorts to replace the legacy Defense Support Program (DSP) with the struggling Space
Based Infrared System (SBIRS) program have begun moving forward. e system, which
Lockheed Martin is contracted to deliver, includes four dedicated SBIRS satellites that will
operate in GEO, four infrared payloads hosted on classied satellites in highly elliptical orbits
(HEO), in addition to ground control and data processing systems. 79 After several delays,
the Air Force announced in October that the rst SBIRS (GEO-1) satellite was scheduled
for launch in April 2011. 80 If further delayed, the scheduled launch of two NASA science
missions could push the launch of SBIRS-1 into 2012. 81 e second GEO SBIRS satellite
is slated for a 2012 launch. 82 In May 2010, the National System for Geospatial Intelligence
announced that the second of two classied HEO SBIRS payloads had been operationally
accepted for the Technical Intelligence mission. 83 A $3-billion follow-on contract for the
third and fourth satellites, third and fourth payloads, and associated ground stations, was
signed in June with Lockheed Martin. 84 Two more satellites may be purchased, increasing
SBIRS program costs to $15.12-billion. 85 Progress with the program led to the proposed
cancellation of the ird Generation Infrared Surveillance program (3GIRS or TGIRS,
previously the Alternative Infrared Satellite System). TGIRS was originally seen as a costeective
alternative that would entail only modest technical risks when compared to SBIRS
and could be available for launch by 2015. 86 e Air Force’s budget request for FY2011
describes TGIRS as an “unneeded program” 87 under which the Air Force purchased two
sensors built by Raytheon and SAIC. e SAIC sensor will be launched as a hosted payload
on a commercial communications satellite in 2011. 88
Some ocials fear that gaps in critical U.S. missile warning capabilities will remain after
transitioning from DSP to SBIRS. 89 In December 2009, Air Force General Kevin Chilton,
then Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, urgently requested that the Air Force’s
Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Oce develop alternatives to augment the mission
and address this potential shortfall. 90
Launch
e U.S. military unveiled a new rocket, the Minotaur IV, derived from the Peacekeeper
intercontinental ballistic missile. 91 After delays caused by software problems, it launched
three times in 2010. 92 A Minotaur IV Lite conguration made its maiden ight on 22 April 93
for the suborbital launch of the Hypersonic Test Vehicle (Falcon HTV-2). e HTV-2 of
the Conventional Prompt Global Strike mission eventually self-destructed during ight. 94