NUDET Detection System (SPACE)

The NUDET Detection System (SPACE) program, designated as Program Element (PE) 1203913SF, is a United States Space Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced nuclear detonation (NUDET) detection capabilities in space. The primary goal of this program is to provide a near real-time, highly survivable and endurable global capability to detect, locate, and report any nuclear detonations occurring in the earth's atmosphere or near space. This capability is essential for supporting Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment (ITW/AA), Nuclear Force Management (NFM), Space Control, Treaty Monitoring, and a classified mission area. These efforts contribute to national security and treaty compliance.

The Universal Ground NDS Terminal (UGNT) Modernization is a key objective within this program, with increased funding in FY26 to support its development. The UGNT is the only survivable and endurable ground system capable of processing NUDET data from next-generation NDS payloads on GPS IIIF satellites. The modernization effort involves replacing obsolete hardware and software within UGNT trailers and installing Integrated Correlation and Display Systems (ICADS 7). This upgrade ensures the UGNT can deliver near-real-time, decision-quality data to Department of Defense (DoD) and Combatant Command (COCOM) decision-makers, supporting the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) mission set.

The NUDET Detection System (USNDS) is a joint program sponsored and funded by both the DoD (via the Space Force) and the Department of Energy (DOE), specifically through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and its Nuclear Detonation Detection (NA-22) office. The DOE provides the space-based sensor payloads as Government Furnished Equipment, while the Space Force is responsible for acquisition, systems engineering, integration, and testing activities for both space vehicles and their supporting ground segments. The Air Force directly funds the development of the USNDS ground segment, ensuring robust end-to-end capability from space-based detection to ground-based analysis and reporting.

The space segment of USNDS consists of three primary nuclear detection sensor payloads: the Radiation Detection Capability (RADEC) for Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites, the Global Burst Detection (GBD) for Medium Earth Orbit platforms, and the Space Atmospheric Burst Reporting System (SABRS) for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) platforms. These sensors, integrated with host satellites, provide the global NUDET detection capability. Data from these sensors is transmitted to ground segments, including fixed and mobile terminals, for further analysis and dissemination to national authorities and mission users.

The ICADS 7 (Integrated Correlation and Display System 7) upgrade is another major focus of the program. ICADS 7 is designed to process data from new NDS payloads on GPS IIIF satellites and to replace the current ICADS 6 system. The upgrade includes new software, hardware, and enhanced cybersecurity features, as well as the NDS Analysis Package Ground Station (NAPGS) subsystems. ICADS 7 will also support the integration of a new optical sensor, the Spectral Imaging Geolocation Hyper-Temporal Sensor (SIGHTS), and will ensure system resiliency and situational awareness in contested space environments. The development and integration of ICADS 7 are managed through a sole-source contract with Sandia National Laboratories.

Additional objectives of the program include ongoing systems engineering, research and development, on-orbit and field testing, and end-to-end verification of USNDS space sensors and ground systems. The program also supports the integration of UGNT with the Space Based Infrared System Survivable/Endurable Evolution (S2E2) Mobile Ground System (SMGS) units, enhancing the survivability and effectiveness of NUDET event processing and reporting. The acquisition strategy leverages existing DOE/NNSA contracts with national laboratories and coordinates funding and technical support across multiple agencies and contractors.