| Names | SBIR-Low STSS-1 STSS-2 USA-208 USA-209 |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Tracking and Surveillance |
| Operator | U.S. Missile Defense Agency |
| COSPAR ID | 2009-052A / 2009-052B [1][2] |
| SATCAT no. | 35937 / 35938 |
| Mission duration | Planned: 2 years Final: 12 years, 2 months |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | STSS |
| Spacecraft type | STSS demonstrator satellite |
| Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman Space Technology |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 25 September 2009, 12:20:00 UTC |
| Rocket | Delta II 7920-10C (Delta D344) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, LC-17B |
| Contractor | United Launch Alliance |
| Entered service | Late January 2010 |
| End of mission | |
| Deactivated | 8 March 2022 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit[3] |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Altitude | 1,350 km (840 mi) |
| Inclination | 58.0° |
| Period | 120.0 minutes |
The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS; formerly SBIRS-Low) was a pair of satellites developed by the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to research the space-based detection and tracking of ballistic missiles. Data from STSS satellites could allow interceptors to engage incoming missiles earlier in flight than would be possible with other missile detection systems.[4] The STSS program began in 2001, when the "SBIRS Low" program was transferred to MDA from the United States Air Force.[5] In December 2002, SBIRS Low Research & Development (SBIRS Low R&D) was renamed Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS).[6]
- ^ "Display: STSS Demo-1 2009-052A". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Display: STSS Demo-2 2009-052B". NASA. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
MDAwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "MDA Link - Sensors". MDA. Archived from the original on 23 March 2008. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Fact Sheet on Space Based Infrared System". Center for Defense Information. 2007. Archived from the original on 13 November 2007.
- ^ "Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS)". Global Security. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
