Space Sensors (U)
Overview (U):
(U) The space sensor subthrust is working on the development of new passibe and active space sensor systems. The goal of Passive Sensors is to reduce development costs, weight, and power consumption; increase reliability, sensitivity, and resolution; and enhance affordability. The goal for Active Sensors is to identify, develop and transition key technologies for affordable, non-deniable, broad area, all-weather surveillance systems supporting Global Reach/Global Power. These systems will provide space-based theater surveillance and improved booster detection sensitivity and coverage.
Details (U):
Description User Impact Programmatics Images Related Initiatives Related Requirements Related Categories Road Map Placements Additional Hotlinks Lead Office POC
Description (U):
(U) This subthrust is composed of the following areas:
(U) Focal Plane Array Development: Focuses on developing space qualifiable infrared, visible, and ultraviolet detectors, readouts, and sensor chip assemblies. Programs in this subthrust include Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs), LWIR MCT Detector Improvement, Cryo-Silicon Readout Development, Multi-Spectral Array Development, Sensor Characterization, Development of Advanced Very Long Wavelength Infrared Detectors (DAVID), Silicon Hybrids with Infrared Extrinsic Long-wavelength Detectors (SHIELD), and Sensor Technology for Applied Research (STAR).
(U) Passive Sensor Integration: Exploits novel component technologies developed under programs discussed above, and incorporates those technologies into complex, cryogenic sensor subsystems that effectively deal with high levels of background radiation, permitting target signal measurements in support of surveillance, discrimination, and environmental monitoring. Programs in this subthrust include Sensor Integration and the Advanced Sensor Technology Program (ASTP).
(U) Space Based Radar: Works to advance and develop space-based radar (SBR) technologies to enable and move intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions such as AWACS and JSTARS into space. This area encompasses the antenna architectures, phenomenology, and signal processing that go into developing a sensor suite for SBR applications. Programs in this subthrust include SBR/Structures Characterization, SBR Sensor Modeling, SBR Applications Antenna Integration, and SBR Processing Techniques.
(U) HAVE GAZE (HG): HG is a counter low-observable (CLO) algorithm that takes advantage of particular radar phenomenologies at high grazing angles associated with a SBR. Efforts in this area are intended to further the understanding of the phenomenology, validate HG models, and assess the military utility of HG.User Impact (U):
(U) None.
Programmatics (U):
(U) Concept/Technology.
Images (U):
(U) None.
Related Initiatives (U):
Name Title SBIRS High Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) High SBIRS-Low Space-Based Infrared System - Low Earth Orbit (SBIRS-Low) This Table Is Unclassified. Related Requirements (U):None.
Related Categories (U):
Name Title Space Mission Technology Space Mission Technologies Surveillance DoD Space Surveillance Programs This Table Is Unclassified. Road Map Placements (U):
Name Title National Security Space Road Map Integrated System Road Map TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E SPACE TECHNOLOGY This Table Is Unclassified. Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):
Name RDT&E Budget Item Project 3784 Phillips Laboratory Funding This Table Is Unclassified. Lead Office (U):
(U) Air Force.
Point of Contact (U):
(U) Maj Mike LaPointe, NSSA, Open Phone: (703) 325-6422, DSN 221-6422.
(U) National Security Space Road Map Team, NSSA, Open Phone: (703)808-6040, DSN 898-6040.Date Of Information (U):
(U) 01 July 1997
(U) Road Map Production Date: 12 July 1999
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