Raytheon Company
is making preparations to provide the primary sensor payload for the Space
Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) missile defense system, formerly known
as Space-Based Infrared System Low (SBIRS Low), to prime contractor Northrop
Grumman. Both companies have signed a contract valued at approximately $200
million for the delivery of sensor payloads.
As the prime contractor for the STSS program, Northrop Grumman was
previously awarded an $868 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency
(MDA) to begin development of the STSS system. The contract defines the
efforts associated with Block 06 of the STSS development that provide the
initial space and ground segment assets.
The Raytheon STSS sensor payload was developed for the continual
observation of ballistic missiles in the boost, midcourse, and reentry phases
of flight. Composed of an acquisition sensor, a tracking sensor, and
processing subsystem, the STSS sensor payload will provide protection from
evolving threats to national security. These state-of-the-art components have
successfully demonstrated performance in thermal vacuum tests against
simulated targets.
“We are pleased to have been selected by the MDA-Northrop Grumman team to
provide the critical spaceborne infrared payloads for the Ballistic Missile
Defense System Testbed,” said Stephen Nordel, Raytheon’s program executive for
STSS. “Our acquisition and tracking sensors will demonstrate the value of
space-based IR for midcourse discrimination and counter-counter measure
challenges. Our STSS payload enables a layered defense against ballistic
missile threats and complements Raytheon’s ground-based radars and enhances
our EKV [Exo-Atmospheric Vehicle] fire control solution.”
Raytheon is a leader in a broad range of missile defense technologies and
initiatives, including the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, the Ground-Based
Radar-Prototype, X-Band Radar, Upgraded Early Warning Radar and the PAVE PAWS
Early Warning Radar for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Segment. The
company also supports Sea-based Midcourse and Terminal Defense, provides the
Ground-Based Radar element for the Theater High-altitude Area Defense program,
and its Patriot systems continue to be mainstays for theater ballistic missile
defense. Raytheon is the prime contractor and integrator for the PAC-3 system
and continues to provide the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System for many
U.S. and allied forces.
Raytheon Company’s Space and Airborne Systems business is a $3 billion
world leader in the design, development and manufacture of advanced electronic
systems for precision strike; missile defense; and intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance applications. Key capabilities include electro-
optical/infrared sensors, airborne radars, solid state high energy lasers,
precision guidance systems, electronic warfare systems and space-qualified
systems for civil and military applications. Headquartered in El Segundo,
Calif., Space and Airborne Systems has 9,300 employees and additional
facilities in Goleta, Calif.; Forest, Miss.; Dallas, McKinney and Plano,
Texas; and several international locations.
With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company is a global
technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics, and
business and special mission aircraft.
For more information on Raytheon’s STSS sensors visit:
www.raytheonmissiledefense.com
