Post by torpedo on Jan 25, 2020 1:39:31 GMT
Lots and lots of satellites;
The system that the US uses is primarily intended for ballistic missiles. That means, if some Mig-29 drops an Air to Air missile over Siberia, no one is going to know or care. The US system can hardly detect all missiles, but rather certain ones.
Specifically, long range, high payload ballistic missiles.
The only operational component of this satellite system is the DSP, or Defense Support Program.
The DSP is essentially a bunch of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. They function by detecting the intense heat signatures of ballistic missiles and nuclear explosions.
The system has detecting ballistic missiles as small as Scuds.
A Scud Missile and launcher. Not really a very large missile, when compared to other systems.
The system is collectively known as the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).
SBIRS High consists of four satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GEO on the image about) and two satellites in a high Earth orbit (HEO in the image). The National Reconnaissance Office is notoriously secretive about the function of SBIRS High. What we know is that it “provides extended capability for strategic launch detection”.
The US, seeing the tactical advantage in being able to detect and track tactical ballistic missile launches, has undertaken a program to expand infrared capabilities. Essentially, replacing DSP.
The Space Tracking and Surveillance System was originally part of SBIRS, but was transferred over to the Missile Defense Agency (bureaucracy, am I right?)
Whereas DSP could detect launches, STSS is designed to detect and track missiles through their flight.
Specifically, long range, high payload ballistic missiles.
The only operational component of this satellite system is the DSP, or Defense Support Program.
The DSP is essentially a bunch of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. They function by detecting the intense heat signatures of ballistic missiles and nuclear explosions.
The system has detecting ballistic missiles as small as Scuds.
The system is collectively known as the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS).
The US, seeing the tactical advantage in being able to detect and track tactical ballistic missile launches, has undertaken a program to expand infrared capabilities. Essentially, replacing DSP.
Whereas DSP could detect launches, STSS is designed to detect and track missiles through their flight.