US puts ballistic missile flight tracking satellite in orbit

The United States has launched a satellite intended to detect and track missile flights, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced. The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (ATRR) satellite was launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

The STSS ATRR is a small experimental satellite that will serve as a forerunner for next-generation sensor technology for future MDA space missions.

The MDA is pursuing a space-based sensor layer to detect missile launches, provide continuous target tracking, and pass track data to missile defense interceptors with the accuracy and timeliness necessary to enable successful target interception.

Two developmental STSS demonstration satellites will also be launched aboard a single launch vehicle late this summer from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) space sensor layer will provide combatant commanders with the ability to continuously track strategic and tactical ballistic missiles from launch through termination.

Early launch detection and continuous midcourse tracking of target missiles will significantly improve the engagement time and effective defended area of the BMDS.