Northrop Grumman-Built STSS Demonstration Satellites Participate in THAAD Weapon System Multiple Missile Test

The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites tracked two different missile targets and delivered data in real-time to support a successful Oct. 5 flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system, according to Northrop Grumman Corporation, prime contractor, and the Raytheon Company, sensor payload provider.

During the live-intercept of both targets, the STSS demonstrators transmitted data in real-time to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications system. Known as FTT-12, the THAAD flight test took place at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, Hawaii, where MDA launched two different missile targets to demonstrate the Ballistic Missile Defense System's (BMDS) ability to handle a larger missile raid.

"From the STSS satellites' standpoint, this was a very demanding test covering core capabilities such as hard body detection and post-boost phase tracking," said Doug Young, vice president, missile defense and warning for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector in Redondo Beach, Calif.

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