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The Unites States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has stated it plans to test its space-based satellites equipped with hypersonic missile tracking sensors. The Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) was deployed into orbit in February of this year.

HBTSS is designed to enable the MDA to get an early warning of potential hypersonic missiles. Presently, ground-based systems, while sophisticated, are limited by the curvature of the Earth and the nature of hypersonic missile flight paths.

To this end, sensors located in orbit will have an unobstructed view, enabling more accurate and timely interception. MDA serves as the Defense Departments executive agent for hypersonic defense.

It is racing to stay ahead of threats from Russian and Chinese development efforts. Tracking hypersonic missiles from space is necessary to allow interceptors more time to lock on.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins explained at a discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on June 6th that the major challenge with hypersonic missiles is that they re-enter the atmosphere before ballistic missiles are detected, leaving a very small window for interception due to their high speed.

And so instead of being down, looking up to find a hypersonic, you want to be high, looking down to track hypersonic, he continued.

Thats what Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor is all about.

Although no specific date for the first test has been announced, Lt. Gen. Collins stated that it would occur in approximately a week. The test will involve a dummy target traveling at hypersonic speeds within the satellites field of view.

He said that the test would assess the sensitivity, timeliness, and accuracy of the two systems to meet the demonstration objectives for HBTSS and potentially inform changes or confirm the systems effectiveness, ultimately contributing to the Space Development Agencys future plans.

A second test is also planned for later in the year following the initial test.

The tests are key steps in our ability to prove out that we can close a hypersonic fire control loop from space, Lt. Gen. Collins said.

We are in lockstep working this with the Space Development Agency, and they are alreadyplanning HBTSS-like sensorsin their future tranches of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture to start filling out that truly global hypersonic kill chain.

However, detection and tracking are only part of the solution. The ability to physically intercept and destroy hypersonic missiles is equally important.

Collins explained that the MDA is focused on finding alternative near-term capabilities for the interceptors as it aims to develop the GPI as quickly as possible. Congress is urging the agency to expedite the new interceptors field readiness.

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Christopher McFadden Christopher graduated from Cardiff University in 2004 with a Masters Degree in Geology. Since then, he has worked exclusively within the Built Environment, Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental Consultancy industries. He is a qualified and accredited Energy Consultant, Green Deal Assessor and Practitioner member of IEMA. Chris’s main interests range from Science and Engineering, Military and Ancient History to Politics and Philosophy.

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US to test hypersonic missile tracking with space-based sensors - Interesting Engineering