Detection and Location of Ballistic Missile Launchers w/Existing Space Based Sensors

We propose to investigate the feasibility of a robust method to detect and destroy transporter erector launchers (TELs) of ballistic missiles using existing space based sensors. The proposed method pertains to scenarios in which a TEL has just launcheda theater ballistic missile (TBM) and is being observed by a space based sensor during boost phase. TEL destruction occurs by the space based cueing of an airborne weapons platform to the estimated TBM launch point where target verification and engagementcan occur.The intent of this approach is to enhance ballistic missile defense (BMD) in major regional conflicts by limiting the capability of unfriendly forces to launch TBMs. The realities of past conflicts indicate that to target and destroy an enemy TEL, itmust be accurately located and identified as hostile before attack operations can commence. Prior to a TBM launch, the detection of an enemy TEL is prevented by effective deception and denial techniques. The best time to detect and identify a hostile TELis to observe it launching a threat TBM, i.e. a