Space Tracking and Surveillance System satellites complete US MDA tests five months early

摘要

Two space tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) satellites have demonstrated the 22nd and last of the 'test focus areas' denned by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) five months ahead of schedule, Northrop Grumman announced on 9 November. The final objective was achieved during the Aegis FTM-15 flight test in April, when the STSS system showed the capability to provide real-time, fire-control-quality data to the Aegis weapon system to support launch-on-remote operation: a scheme under which an Aegis ship can launch missiles to engage targets detected and tracked by other missile-defence assets. Launch-on-remote has now been re-designated as 'Remote Engagement Authorized'.