Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - Integrated Ground Segment

The Resilient Missile Warning Missile Tracking - Integrated Ground Segment program, managed by the United States Space Force's Space Systems Command and the Space Development Agency, is focused on enhancing missile warning and tracking capabilities through a resilient space architecture. This initiative aims to develop Overhead Persistent Infrared capabilities in collaboration with the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community partners. The primary goal is to transition from legacy systems to a multi-orbit approach, incorporating Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit, and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit constellations to counter advanced missile threats.

The Medium Earth Orbit component is designed to bolster existing Space Based Infrared Satellite and Next-Gen OPIR capabilities. It aims for full operational capability by FY 2031, independently meeting all mission area requirements for missile warning and tracking. Efforts in this area involve deploying space assets in multiple epochs, allowing for incremental capability delivery and ensuring competition throughout the lifecycle. This approach is based on validated requirements from the Missile Warning and Missile Defense Capability Development Document.

For the Low Earth Orbit segment, the SDA's ground segment supports constellation management, data processing, dissemination, and integration activities for the SDA Tracking Layer. This includes leveraging the Tranche 1 Transport Layer and Operations and Integration Centers to provide missile warning and tracking data globally. The LEO ground segment also involves upgrades to support command and control, mission data processing, low latency data dissemination, and other essential functions for future tranches.

The program employs a Combined Program Office construct involving SSC, SDA, and the Missile Defense Agency to develop a system-of-systems integration strategy across LEO, MEO, and GEO/Polar orbit regimes. Key efforts include developing mission data processing software, command and control systems, ground-based antennas for communication, sensor performance validation, and integrated digital modeling for resiliency analysis. These initiatives aim to ensure that the Resilient Missile Warning/Missile Tracking system can operate effectively in contested environments while providing critical data to support global defense operations.