A network centric approach to Space Situational Awareness

A top level approach has been developed to provide the warfighter the confidence to understand the operational environment in the area of Space Operations, in particular Space Superiority and SSA (Space Situational Awareness) and determine a timely course of action. First, a review of the current objective and architecture for space operation is reviewed, including the general approach to the BMC3 environment. Next, a summary of the past and current information analysis paradigm is presented. This paradigm, along with most of the data collection (Sensors) infrastructure was developed to provide warning and status in an age of predicable threats. The evolving Space Picture contains more threat asymmetry both on the ground and in space. This shift suggests we look at both the decision maker's needs and our information processing in a new way. The second section of this paper explains the top down development of key metrics, based on the proven approach of operational risk management. To do this we chose a stressing scenario for Space Superiority, DCS (Defensive Counter Space) operating against Red's space based threat. A top level qualitative study highlights the need for timely development of Red's true intent without the normal apirori knowledge present when the current deployed sensor net and operational paradigm was developed. The possible answers to this change of approach and operational focus are key elements of a Network Centric Approach to the operational picture. These elements include rapid integration of MLS data sources, data fusion and sensor re-tasking. All these elements are under development in many places including Boeing; two key internal research efforts are included for consideration. Finally, this paradigm shift away from dependence on apirori knowledge to drive understanding, toward data fusion and inference, can and should be validated. Several options to do this and a framework for a near term integrated space based demonstration is discussed.