SpaceX Launches Six Hypersonic, Ballistic Tracking Space Sensors Satellites For US

Defense News ,U.S :- On Wednesday, SpaceX successfully sent six new satellites into low-Earth orbit, dedicated to detecting and tracking missiles for the United States.

These satellites consist of two Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) units from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the final four satellites from the Space Development Agency's (SDA) Tranche 0 Tracking Layer. The entire Tranche 0 satellite group includes 27 units, with 19 focused on data transport and communications, while the rest are dedicated to missile warning.

SDA director Derek Tournear highlighted the collaboration, stating that launching both Tracking and HBTSS satellites into the same orbit is a significant achievement for both agencies. This joint effort allows them to observe test targets simultaneously, ensuring a better understanding of how the sensors work together.

Looking ahead, in Tranche 1, the SDA plans to deploy both sensor types as an operational system. This includes medium-field-of-view demonstrating fire control based on HBTSS design and wide-field-of-view for warning and tracking based on Tranche 0 tracking design.

The HBTSS, a key component in this launch, specializes in detecting and tracking ballistic and maneuvering hypersonic missiles, surpassing current systems' capabilities. It boasts higher sensitivity to the lower heat signatures of hypersonic missiles. The HBTSS is designed to identify these advanced threats earlier than terrestrial radars and provide crucial tracking data for interceptors.

Following the recent launch, two HBTSS prototypes will undergo two years of in-orbit testing. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) explained that the Space Development Agency (SDA) plans to build upon the successes of the HBTSS fire-control capabilities and incorporate them into future satellite tranches.

In summary, this recent SpaceX launch marks a significant advancement in missile-detection technology, bringing together the expertise of both the MDA and SDA to enhance the capabilities of the United States' missile defense system.