Northrop Grumman-Built STSS Demonstration Satellites Complete On-Orbit Calibration, Ready for BMDS Tests

The Space Tracking and Surveillance (STSS) Demonstration program satellites are ready to fully participate in Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) tests after on-orbit calibration of the acquisitions and track sensors for both spacecraft was completed Nov. 3 by prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation, and infrared sensor payload provider Raytheon Company.

Calibration of those sensors was the last major step during the on-orbit tests of the space vehicles, which were launched Sept. 25, 2009, in tandem configuration from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

"We are confident that upcoming BMDS tests involving STSS will generate the kind and quality of data that will validate our projections of the value of space-based sensors for missile tracking," said Doug Young, vice president of Missile Defense and Warning Programs for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. He noted the data will validate models used to define an operational system.

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