[Satellite TODAY 09-21-10] Northrop Grumman’s Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellite autonomously transferred target track data from its acquisition sensor to its tracking sensor, the company announced Sept. 20.
      During the data hand-off demonstration, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) satellite acquired a ground laser, operated and pointed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, from the Starfire Optical Range at Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque, N.M. The data was then transmitted to STSS ground systems located at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Co.
      “This is a major success for the STSS program. We proved that the STSS satellites can autonomously transition from target acquisition and track mode using the acquisition sensor to target precision track mode using the multiple band track sensor. All of these operations occurred as intended, with no operator intervention.  This is the same type and sequence of functions that will be performed on-board during subsequent MDA missile tests,” Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Vice President Gabe Watson said in a statement.
      The MDA is pursuing the STSS Demonstration program as a space-based sensor component of the U.S. ballistic missile defense system. The STSS satellites aim to provide missile defense sensor risk reduction concepts to support development and fielding of a future missile defense operational satellite constellation.