This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.
During the past few years, United States Air Force (USAF) leaders have begun to emphasize space operations. Global Engagement: A Vision for the 21st Century Air Force states that we will eventually transition from an air and space force into a space and air force and various leaders have opined that that air and space are seamless. Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, USAF chief of staff, introduced the concept that in the future, we will be able to find, fix, target, track, and engage (F2T2E) any target, anywhere on the earth. In order to accomplish F2T2E, the functions performed by the E-3 airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and the E-8 joint surveillance, target attack radar system (JSTARS) will need to migrate to space-based platforms. This study explores how such a migration would occur.
Before examining space operations, the historical military need for moving tar-get indicators (MTI) is examined, tracing the evolution from hot air balloons to our current AWACS and JSTARS aircraft. Because space systems operate differ ently from airborne systems, those differences are explored. The organizations involved in space operations are also examined, along with their potential to effect the development of a space-based MTI system. The radar systems of both the AWACS and the JSTARS are described, as well as a few of the most promi nent of the proposed space-based systems.
The planning for space-based MTI is in its early phases. A Concept of Operations for Space-Based MTI has been written, as has a Space-Based MTI Roadmap. US Space Command has also written the Long Range Plan, which includes space-based MTI concepts in its plan for 2020. These plans are a good start but do not address several important issues, including satellite architec ture, whether satellite MTI systems should completely replace airborne systems, who should be responsible for the system, and how battle managers will operate in the new system.
