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MISSION The MDA Space Applications Product Center of Excel- lence is responsible for leading a multi-agency Department of Defense and industry team in developing, testing, and deploying space systems to detect and track ballistic missiles from launch through midcourse flight and eventual inter- cept or reentry. Mission objectives include developing space technologies that support MDA’s space assets, including sensors, space qualified components, optics, and algorithms. The Space Applications Center of Excellence will play a lead role in any future space initiatives undertaken by MDA and facilitate the integration of external Overhead Non- Imaging Infrared (ONIR) sensors. PrOGrAM DESCrIPTION The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) involves the launch of two low earth orbit research and demonstration satellites with infrared and visible sensors to track missile launches, midcourse travel, and atmospheric reentry. Each satellite uses an acquisition sensor for missile launch detection and a movable tracking sensor to fol- low midcourse objects in space. The STSS demonstration satellites will demonstrate the ability to pass missile tracking data to system interceptors with the accuracy and timeliness necessary to enable them to successfully intercept missile targets. MDA will be able to make more informed decisions regarding the fielding of satellites for the operational archi- tecture from the data obtained from these satellites. The Missile Defense Space Experimentation Center (MD-SEC) in Colorado Springs, CO is the integration center for MDA’s Space Applications Center of Excellence. It pro- Ballistic Missile Defense Space Sensors vides a single location for operating STSS and Near-Field Infrared Experiment (NFIRE) satellites and for conducting space-related Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) activities in support of the missile defense mis- sion. The NFIRE satellite was launched in April 2007. It will reduce the risk to next-generation BMDS interceptors on land, at sea, and in space by collecting signature data on boosting ballistic missiles at close range in real-world condi-tions. The data collected will anchor design tools for future interceptor hardware, software, and algorithm development. NFIRE also will provide MDA with early experience coor- dinating space assets with BMDS flight tests. The objective of the Space Test Bed is to evaluate the util-ity and cost-effectiveness of enhancing missile defense by adding a comprehensive space layer to overcome basing and geographical limitations of land, sea, and airborne defenses. The evaluation would include multi-use sensors and C2BMC. CONTrIBUTIONS TO THE BMDS MDA Space Sensors will play a significant role in a global missile defense capability by providing continuous track-ing of ballistic missiles and passing tracking information to BMDS radars and interceptors. Accurate tracking data provided by space sensors will increase the robustness of the BMDS, allow additional and earlier intercept oppor- tunities, and provide coverage in locations inaccessible to BMDS radars. 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Completed NFIRE satellite integration and ground test- ing • Launched NFIRE satellite and began operating from the MDSEC • Continued integration and testing of two Space Tracking and Surveillance System Demonstration satellites. – Delivered payload #2 to space vehicle integration – Completed thermal vacuum testing on both satellites – Completed final acceptance of ground software Majority of work for BMDS Space Systems in the green colored states.