Two U.S. missile tracking demonstration satellites in June successfully detected and tracked three missiles in the early stages of flight, and later this year will attempt to track missiles as they coast through space following motor burnout.rnThe Pentagon for decades has operated infrared satellites able to detect potentially threatening missile launches worldwide, but these satellites are only to track missiles in the early boost phase of flight, when their motors produce a significant heat signature. The experimental Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) satellites, on the other hand, are intended to demonstrate so-called birth-to-death missile tracking. As part of a proposed operational constellation, these kinds of satellites would be an important cuing tool for missile defense systems.
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