The Missile Defense Agency is continuing work on the space-based Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer intended to detect and track next-generation missile systems, C4ISRnet reported Thursday. The sensor layer will be integrated into the Space Development Agency’s low-Earth orbit satellite constellation and work to locate hypersonic weapons, which are harder to detect compared to ballistic missiles.
Vice Adm. Jon Hill, director of the MDA, said at a Center for Strategic and International Studies event that managing the transmission of data between various spacecraft will serve as a challenge for establishing the sensor layer.
“It’s going to be a great capability,†he said. “We just need to get it up there as soon as we can and rapidly proliferate.â€
MDA intends to focus on determining ways of properly distributing data throughout the HBTSS as work continues on the sensor layer, according to Hill.
