(U) Space Sensors

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The space sensor subthrust is working on the development of new passibe and active space sensor systems.  The goal of Passive Sensors is to reduce development costs, weight, and power consumption; increase reliability, sensitivity, and resolution; and enhance affordability. The goal for Active Sensors is to identify, develop and transition key technologies for affordable, non-deniable, broad area, all-weather surveillance systems supporting Global Reach/Global Power. These systems will provide space-based theater surveillance and improved booster detection sensitivity and coverage.

Description: (U)
(U) This subthrust is composed of the following areas:

(U) Focal Plane Array Development: Focuses on developing space qualifiable infrared, visible, and ultraviolet detectors, readouts, and sensor chip assemblies.  Programs in this subthrust include Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs), LWIR MCT Detector Improvement, Cryo-Silicon Readout Development, Multi-Spectral Array Development, Sensor Characterization, Development of Advanced Very Long Wavelength Infrared Detectors (DAVID), Silicon Hybrids with Infrared Extrinsic Long-wavelength Detectors (SHIELD), and Sensor Technology for Applied Research (STAR).

(U) Passive Sensor Integration: Exploits novel component technologies developed under programs discussed above, and incorporates those technologies into complex, cryogenic sensor subsystems that effectively deal with high levels of background radiation, permitting target signal measurements in support of surveillance, discrimination, and environmental monitoring.  Programs in this subthrust include Sensor Integration and the Advanced Sensor Technology Program (ASTP).  

(U) Space Based Radar: Works to advance and develop space-based radar (SBR) technologies to enable and move intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions such as AWACS and JSTARS into space.  This area encompasses the antenna architectures, phenomenology, and signal processing that go into developing a sensor suite for SBR applications.  Programs in this subthrust include SBR/Structures Characterization, SBR Sensor Modeling, SBR Applications Antenna Integration, and SBR Processing Techniques.  

(U) HAVE GAZE (HG): HG is a counter low-observable (CLO) algorithm that takes advantage of particular radar phenomenologies at high grazing angles associated with a SBR.  Efforts in this area are intended to further the understanding of the phenomenology, validate HG models, and assess the military utility of HG.

User Impact: (U)
(U) None.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Concept/Technology.
	(U) IOC: 02/1996 (2QFY1996).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) SBIRS High, SBIRS-Low

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Space Mission Technology, Surveillance

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) National Security Space Road Map, TECHNOLOGY- RDT&E.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 July 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)