Nichols Martin
Northrop Grumman-made satellites have completed ten years of operations, surpassing more than double the original four-year lifespan, in support of the Missile Defense Agency.
Two Space Tracking and Surveillance System satellites entered low Earth orbit 10 years ago to help MDA track ballistic missiles, the company said Monday.
The satellites eventually featured a remote launch technology that allows ships to pass in-flight missile control to other vessels, boosting the range of Aegis missile defense systems.
“Being able to track missiles from low Earth orbit allows threats to be engaged earlier in the process using existing interceptors,†said Bob Mehltretter, vice president of military and civil space at Northrop Grumman.
