Northrop Grumman Media Briefing & Telecon to Preview Tests Involving STSS Missile Tracking Satellites at National Space Symposium

MEDIA ADVISORY, April 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. gained new missile defense capabilities in 2011 as the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites proved many of the advantages space provides for defeating ballistic missiles.

An approaching round of 2012 tests provides the two infrared satellites opportunities to build on those successes. Northrop Grumman's vice president for missile defense and warning programs will discuss why 2011 accomplishments matter for missile defense space capabilities and will preview upcoming Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) tests.

Northrop Grumman is prime contractor for the STSS, a two-satellite constellation serving as the experimental space layer of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. The Raytheon Company provides the infrared sensor payloads for both spacecraft under this U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) program.

The demonstration satellites have taken part in multiple MDA flight tests, validating key objectives in four main categories: (1) Birth-to-death tracking, (2) Remote Engagement Authorized, formerly known as Aegis Launch-on-Remote, (3) Risk reduction for a future operational capability and (4) Providing precision cues to BMDS radars.