The effectiveness of the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites has been expanded after a communication crosslink was activated and tested by prime contractor Northrop Grumman [NOC] and sensor payload provider Raytheon [RTN], Northrop Grumman said.
The radio frequency relay between the missile defense satellites creates communications between one spacecraft beyond view of the ground station through the other satellite, which is in range, Doug Young, vice president of missile defense warning programs for Northrop Grumman, said.