#Missile defense game series#
"This allows us to effectively balance risk and cost by utilizing a series of phased demonstrations. "The ability to test in the relevant environment of space enables testing to achieve higher technology readiness levels, making the technology transition path into operational systems much more viable."Īccording to Jeff Keller, chief engineer for technology maturation at MDA, a primary advantage to maturing technology through NTI is the ability to divide complex challenges into discrete parts.
"The ability to leverage the rapid advances in commercial CubeSat technology, as well as the growing base of commercial small launch providers, enables a unique testing capability never before available," Eric Cole, NTI project lead for MDA, said. Within the small satellite family, CubeSats are defined by standardized characteristics such as shape, size and weight. A small satellite is generally considered to be any satellite that weighs less than 300 kilograms (660 pounds). CubeSats are the perfect platform for this."ĬubeSats are a subset of the small satellite family of satellite systems known as nanosatellites. "For the NTI efforts, we only need something small to take technology experiments to space in order to test in the relevant environment and gather accurate data. "The ability to use CubeSats for low-cost access to space is essential in maturing technologies for future applications in missile defense," Shari Feth, head of the Innovation, Science and Technology directorate at MDA, said. The CubeSats will allow the agency to demonstrate the capabilities quickly and affordably," Chai said.ĬubeSat missions allow for flexibility that includes rapid follow-on flights featuring planned, incremental technology improvements with overall greater cost efficiency than using larger, more traditional satellites. "The missile defense architecture will require communications between interceptors, sensors and command and control systems to quickly identify, track and destroy incoming enemy missiles before they reach their targets. When eventually deployed on satellites in low earth orbit, it will detect and track hypersonic and ballistic missile threats and provide critical data to the Missile Defense System and the warfighter. MDA is developing the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor payload. "The CNCE Block 1 mission will demonstrate the viability of advanced communications technologies using reduced size, weight and power in support of missile defense communications architectures." "These satellites will test key technologies that mitigate risk for systems, such as the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor," Walt Chai, MDA director for space sensors, said.
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