Synopsis: In the policy paper “Moving U.S. Tracking Sensors to Space,” SABG Senior Defense Analyst Dr. Steve Lambakis examines the need to shift the center of gravity for U.S. missile defense tracking from terrestrial-based radars to space-based sensors. As missile threats evolve to include hypersonic and maneuverable cruise missiles that can evade ground-based detection, a layered sensor architecture with persistent space coverage is essential to maintaining national security. While the U.S. has made progress in developing space-based tracking capabilities, current efforts remain insufficient to address emerging threats.
Deploying constellations of tracking satellites would provide birth-to-death missile tracking, improve interception success rates, and reduce reliance on vulnerable terrestrial radars. Unlike fixed ground-based systems, space sensors offer global, persistent coverage and eliminate gaps in missile detection caused by terrain and the Earth’s curvature. The U.S. Space Force, Space Development Agency (SDA), and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) are actively developing prototype satellites to strengthen the nation’s missile defense network, but bureaucratic, technological, and budgetary hurdles continue to slow progress.
Dr. Lambakis highlights key challenges, including slow acquisition processes, funding constraints, and overclassification that hinder the development and deployment of advanced space-based tracking systems. The current administration must prioritize a national security vision that shifts missile tracking dominance to space, ensuring the U.S. can effectively detect and respond to threats. Moving forward, whole-of-government collaboration with industry partners and allies will be critical to building a resilient, space-based missile defense infrastructure capable of countering the growing capabilities of adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
“Moving U.S. Tracking Sensors to Space” by Dr. Steve Lambakis was first published in February 2024 by the National Institute for Public Policy. It can be found here.
