Survival in the Orbital Battlefield: Improving the Odds

摘要

The DoD Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT), a ground test capability, will evaluate space systems and subsystems against realistic threats in realistic environments while simulating various orbits. STAT is following a spiral approach with Spiral One, funded by DoD, now under development. Spiral Two, partially funded by the USAF, will build from lessons learned in Spiral One to expand the size and complexity of the testbed to accommodate larger satellites. Together, these spirals will provide the ability to evaluate space protection Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) for space hardware, ground control equipment, and software "left of launch." STAT will deliver a combined DT&E/OT&E approach for "testing like you fly" with natural (solar, proton, electron, atomic oxygen) and hostile (jamming, laser blinding, laser heating) threats. STAT will also supply a means to "train like you fight" by interactively connecting with satellite operations centers to conduct realistic exercises and to develop Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs). In the end, STAT offers a way to evaluate space protection KPPs for the NRO and AFSPC in a cost effective manner.