Session
Technical Session II: New Missions I
Abstract
The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization Technology Deputate's Miniature Sensor Technology Integration (MSTI) program was established to test in realistic operational scenarios, BMDO developed miniature sensors for missile detection and tracking on low cost, rapidly built and deployed low-earth orbit satellites. With the first MSTI mission launched less than a year after it was initiated, BMDO plans include launching 2-3 satellites per year throughout the five year defense plan. The near term direction of the MSTI program is to perform on-orbit functional demonstration of integrated sensor technologies that support theater missile launch detection and tracking. Embodying a "build a little, test a little" philosophy, the MSTI program builds upon the capabilities of both the spacecraft bus and the integrated payload suite for missile tracking, background clutter measurements, and ecological disaster monitoring from mission to mission. In addition to its primary mission, the MSTI program also serves as BMDO's cornerstone both for exploring the potential for dual-use of DOD space-based sensors for environmental/ecological disaster monitoring and for executing joint, international space missions, such as with the Russians under proposals advanced within the Global Protection System political context. This paper will describe the MSTI program approach, results of the first mission and plans for the future.
The Miniature Sensor Technology Integration Program: An Overview
The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization Technology Deputate's Miniature Sensor Technology Integration (MSTI) program was established to test in realistic operational scenarios, BMDO developed miniature sensors for missile detection and tracking on low cost, rapidly built and deployed low-earth orbit satellites. With the first MSTI mission launched less than a year after it was initiated, BMDO plans include launching 2-3 satellites per year throughout the five year defense plan. The near term direction of the MSTI program is to perform on-orbit functional demonstration of integrated sensor technologies that support theater missile launch detection and tracking. Embodying a "build a little, test a little" philosophy, the MSTI program builds upon the capabilities of both the spacecraft bus and the integrated payload suite for missile tracking, background clutter measurements, and ecological disaster monitoring from mission to mission. In addition to its primary mission, the MSTI program also serves as BMDO's cornerstone both for exploring the potential for dual-use of DOD space-based sensors for environmental/ecological disaster monitoring and for executing joint, international space missions, such as with the Russians under proposals advanced within the Global Protection System political context. This paper will describe the MSTI program approach, results of the first mission and plans for the future.
