A Successful STSS Test

choi

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News release: Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration
Satellites Track Two-Stage Interceptor in Missile Defense Test. Northrop
Grumman, July 8, 2010.
http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=195917

My comment:
(a) It is believed that US is incapable of detecting a missile/rocket in the
launch phase,* which theoretically is easiest to detect due to large plumes.

* US has recorded China's two successful missile exploits: the 2007 hit of a
satellite and the 2010 hit of another missile. In both instances, in
advance US had obtained signals that said operation would be held--whether
through interception of electromagnetic waves or Taiwan's intelligence
gathering, it is unclear.

(b) STSS is supposed to work in pair, like two eyes of a person, so that
depth can be ascertained. Likely it is stationary in the sky, like GPS
satellites.
(c) A successful detection of missile in the launch phase is (i) a first
step to shoot it down at that phase, or
(ii) at least provide more time to shoot it down in mid course or later.

(d) An introduction from the company:

The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS). Northrop Grumman, undated.
http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/stss/index.html

Quote:

"Operating in low-earth orbit, STSS satellites will use onboard infrared
sensors to detect, track and discriminate ballistic missiles throughout
their trajectories.

"The Missile Defense Agency successfully launched the demonstration
satellites in September 2009.

(e) Northrop Grumman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman
(now headquartered in Los Angeles but will move to northern Virginia in 2011
; formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop)

* Jack Northrop founded Northrop Corporation in 1939. Leroy Grumman with two
others (Jake Swirbul and William Schwendler) founded his company in 1929.  

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choi

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More details of the test--actually two tests:

Press release: STSS Demonstration Satellites Detect, Track Test Launch of an ICBM Minuteman Missile. Northrop Grumman, July 16, 2010.
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Newsfeed/Article/116081924/201007161405/STSS-Demonstration-Satellites-Detect-Track-Test-Launch-of-an-ICBM-Minuteman-Missile.aspx

【 在 choi 的大作中提到: 】
: News release: Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration
: Satellites Track Two-Stage Interceptor in Missile Defense Test. Northrop
: Grumman, July 8, 2010.
: http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=195917
: (以下引言省略...)

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