Cruise Missile Detection and Early Warning System

Long range cruise missiles present a growing threat to the United States and its allies. Current ground-based detection systems are not sufficient provide detection of these low cross-section targets and at all trajectories. In this proposed SBIR program, Busek Co. Inc will develop a space-borne Cruise Missile Detection and Tracking Sensor system based around a mass-produced commercial satellite constellation bus. Busek will examine target signatures and transmission from the RF to Long-Wave IR. These will determine sensor parameters necessary to provide detection and tracking of cruise missile targets. A payload concept will be created that integrates the sensor(s) with a low-cost mass-produced bus which minimizes necessary changes from what is commercially available. Finally, a constellation and CONOPS will be designed which maximizes coverage over the area currently covered by the North Warning System and the relative costs of the system will be evaluated.