About the Program

The Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) system will detect and track space objects, generating data the Department of Defense (DoD) will use to support military operations.

The SBSS Block 10 Space Vehicle (SV) is managed by the Space and Missile Systems Center and is an essential element in achieving full Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capability. The SSA is a U.S. Air Force initiative to understand potential threats in space.

Ball Aerospace, working with The Boeing Company, is a key player in the development of the SBSS Block 10 SV which will revolutionize SSA. SBSS Block 10 is anticipated to be part of a constellation of satellites that use EO sensors to keep tabs on activity in orbit.

With an expected orbital life of at least five-and-a-half years, the SBSS Block 10 SV will detect and track space objects, primarily focused on geosynchronous satellites. The data from SBSS will significantly expand the SSA mission of the DoD by removing daylight and weather operational restrictions experienced by ground-based EO sensors.

Ball Aerospace’s Role

Ball Aerospace is a member of the Boeing SBSS team, with responsibility for the development, manufacturing, integration, performance validation and delivery of the entire space segment. Ball Aerospace’s agile gimbaled visible sensor allows for highly accurate determination of space objects; with increased capacity and improved timeliness, sensitivity and overall flexibility.

With a solid history of success in focal plane engineering, star trackers, and control and image processing electronics, Ball Aerospace is providing a high performance satellite while demonstrating its capabilities in providing the DoD with mission assurance on larger, future missions.

SBSS is scheduled to launch in 2010.