Overview
The Air Force Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system is considered an essential element in developing a space situational-awareness capability. Current ground-based systems, although effective, do not have the timeliness required to detect small objects in deep space.
Capabilities
The SBSS program uses a constellation of sensor satellites to track space objects, and to accomplish space situational awareness for future space control operations. The SBSS Pathfinder is a follow-on to the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration of the Mid-Course Space Experiment/Space Based Visible Sensor.
In March 2004, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, the Mission Area Prime Contractor for the Air Force, awarded a Boeing best-of-industry team, including Ball Aerospace and Harris Technologies, the contract to develop and initiate operations of the SBSS Pathfinder satellite.
Boeing's Role
Boeing is leveraging its expertise in surveillance mission systems and its space situational awareness legacy from Maui Space Surveillance System and other programs to execute the satellite development, ground segment, and launch services requirements. The team is responsible for mission planning, mission data processing, and operation of the Pathfinder system for up to 1 year, before transitioning it to the Air Force customer. The SBSS Pathfinder satellite is slated to be launched in 2008.
The SBSS Objective System will consist of a constellation of satellites that will detect and track orbiting space objects, including potential threats to our space assets and orbital debris. The DOD will use data generated by the SBSS system to support military operations. Additionally, NASA could use the information to calculate orbital debris collision-avoidance measures for the International Space Station and Space Shuttle missions.