Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS)

The Maui Space Surveillance System (MSSS) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0603444F, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the United States Air Force. The primary goal of this program is to advance ground-based optical space situational awareness (SSA) technologies through development, demonstration, and integration efforts at the MSSS facility located in Hawaii.

The program supports both the operation and upgrade of the MSSS, ensuring that the facility remains capable of supporting SSA technology research and prototype testing. Objectives include the development of new subsystems and components that enhance the detection, tracking, and characterization of objects in space. The program focuses on integrating these subsystems into system prototypes, which are then evaluated through field experiments and tests conducted in simulated operational environments. This approach enables the Air Force to assess the performance and reliability of emerging SSA technologies before they are considered for broader deployment or operational use.

The MSSS program is coordinated through the Department of Defense Science and Technology Executive Committee process. This coordination is intended to harmonize SSA technology development efforts across the DoD, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and maximize the efficient use of resources. By leveraging this collaborative framework, the program aims to support the broader national security objective of maintaining awareness and security in the increasingly contested space domain.

Within the FY 2024 budget, funding was allocated to maintain and enhance the MSSS facility's capabilities, enabling continued support for SSA technology research and demonstration activities. No additional funding is planned for FY 2025 or FY 2026, indicating that the program's major activities were focused on the prior fiscal year, with subsequent years not requiring further budget allocation under this specific line item.

The program may also include necessary expenses related to the operation and maintenance of the MSSS facility. These expenses ensure that the infrastructure, equipment, and personnel required to manage, execute, and deliver science and technology capabilities are adequately supported. Although the acquisition strategy and other program funding details are not applicable for this line item, the emphasis remains on advanced technology development rather than procurement or large-scale acquisition.

Justification for the MSSS program centers on the need to maintain technological superiority in space situational awareness, which is critical for national defense and the protection of space assets. The MSSS facility provides a unique platform for testing and demonstrating optical SSA technologies, contributing to the Air Force's ability to monitor and respond to potential threats in space. The program's alignment with DoD-wide science and technology priorities further underscores its role in supporting long-term defense objectives.