The Space Force is progressing on two major initiatives aimed at modernizing the tracking of airborne and ground-based moving targets.
Key Developments:
-
Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI):
- Prototypes set for launch into low-Earth orbit by the end of September.
- The program is part of a larger effort to build an operational constellation by 2028, with a contract awarded to SpaceX.
- The goal is to enhance surveillance capabilities by moving sensors from manned aircraft to space.
-
Space-Based Ground Moving Target Indicator (SB-GMTI):
- Known as the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G), this constellation aims to track terrestrial targets.
- Northrop Grumman is involved in launching this system within the next two years.
Importance:
- The ability to track mobile targets is crucial for maintaining military advantages, especially against sophisticated air defense systems from adversaries like Russia and China.
- Rising threats from faster and stealthier subjects necessitate transitioning tracking capabilities to space, mitigating risks to manned aircraft.
Future Plans:
- The initial SB-AMTI satellites won’t provide full global coverage immediately but will gather data to refine future operations.
- The integration of both air- and space-based sensors is expected to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness in contested environments.
Organizational Developments:
- The Space Force established the 77th Surveillance Squadron for ground moving target missions, indicating a push for operational readiness in tracking both air and ground targets.
Conclusion:
These advancements reflect the Space Force’s strategy to innovate and improve military tracking capabilities, with an emphasis on integrating space-based technology into broader defense operations.
Author: Mikayla Easley, who specializes in defense technology and acquisition reporting. Follow her on Twitter for updates on related topics.
