Space Security Index

involved; modest shields in GEO can prevent the destruction of a non-imaging satellite by
laser heating. 52 Protection against microwave weapons, which use high-powered short pulse
beams to degrade or destroy unprotected electronics, can be provided by over-voltage and
over-current protection circuits within a satellite’s receivers.
2010 Development
U.S. moves forward with STSS, Space Fence
On 8 June, demonstration satellites built by Northrop Grumman and Raytheon for STSS
successfully detected and tracked a two-stage Ground Based Interceptor missile during an
MDA test. 3 is demonstration was followed by the tracking of an ICBM as it ew 4,800
miles to hit a target in the Ronald Reagan Test Site near Kwajalein Atoll of the Marshall
Islands. 54 e three-stage Minuteman III missile carried a single, inert reentry vehicle atop
a modernized booster, guidance set and post-boost vehicle. 55
On 28 June, STSS performed yet another successful test by consistently following a missile
launched by the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system in what is reportedly “the
most thorough indication yet of the space-based sensor’s capabilities.” 56 During this test,
the STSS demonstration satellites detected the launch of a threat-representative missile and
relayed the data to Ballistic Missile Defense System ground stations. 57 While the primary
use of the system would be in ballistic missile defense, such capabilities could give satellites
the warning time needed to maneuver away from an ASAT attack. 58 Especially germane to
space system protection and possibly useful for negation was the STSS ability to track other
satellites in orbit. 59
In 2010, the Space Fence System entered a new phase when the USAF Electronic Systems
Center (ESC) released its request for proposals for a second stage of development. 60 ESC
awarded three $30-million contracts to develop more detailed proposals for an eventual
Space Fence system. 61 Lockheed Martin 62 and Raytheon 63 have both responded to the
request and the USAF aims to have Space Fence initially operational by 2015. In early 2011,
ESC was to award two 18-month contracts worth up to a total of $214-million to develop
preliminary design reviews; 64 in 2012, a nal contract will be awarded to nish development,
elding, and operators of the Space Fence.
e S-Band Space Fence program is planned to replace the existing VHF Space Fence,
known as the Air Force Space Surveillance System, inherited from the Navy in 2004. 65 e
new fence will operate at the much higher frequency of S-Band, enabling it to track objects
as small as a few centimeters in diameter. And unlike the VHF fence, which exists as three
transmitting and ve receiving stations located across the southern U.S., the S-Band Space
Fence will consist of up to three receiver-transmitter pairs located around the globe.
Space Security Impact
In addition to increasing general space situational awareness, the launch of STSS will give
the U.S. an increased ability to detect potentially hostile maneuvers against its space assets.
e updated version of the Space Fence, with its ability to detect smaller space objects, could
decrease the eectiveness of space mines and other attack measures that rely on smallness.
Overall, the development of eective surveillance capabilities to detect potential attacks can
have a positive impact on space security by increasing the ability of a space system to survive
negation eorts, thus helping to ensure secure access to and use of space.
Space Systems Resiliency
145