Space Situation Awareness Systems

Space Situation Awareness Systems under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation budget activity aims to enhance space domain awareness (SDA) capabilities. The program focuses on developing new network sensors and improved information integration capabilities across the space surveillance network (SSN). It also supports engineering studies, architectural engineering studies, trade studies, technology needs forecasting, modernization initiatives, systems engineering, system development, and test & evaluation. Additionally, it includes efforts related to the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), a ground-based radar system to detect and track deep space objects 24/7. The program aims to augment the SSN with increased capacity and capability for deep space object custody, providing full global coverage.

Furthermore, the program encompasses the development and delivery of the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Follow-On (SBSS FO) program to continue providing space object surveillance from space beyond SBSS Block 10 End-of-Life. This includes partnering with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on the Space Based SDA program to meet overlapping requirements. The program aims to enable timely detection and custody of on-orbit threats in order to protect US High Value Assets in space in support of the National Defense Strategy. It also includes efforts related to Ground Based Optical Sensor System (GBOSS), which involves an upgrade to the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) system to monitor small, closely-spaced, and advanced threats in various orbits.

In summary, Program PE 1206425SF is focused on enhancing SDA capabilities through the development of new network sensors and improved information integration across the SSN. It also includes efforts related to DARC for deep space object detection and custody, as well as initiatives for space-based surveillance and ground-based optical sensor system upgrades.