U.S. Space Systems Command (SSC) last Friday said it has delivered the first of many new software capabilities to a Space Force operations center to increase cybersecurity, and enhance missile detection and tracking.
The deliveries to the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Battlespace Awareness Center (OBAC) make up the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) framework that enhances situational awareness and tactical intelligence missions for the center. SSC said that the trial period for the software allowed operators to stress the framework in real world operations.
The FORGE ground system support legacy Space Based Infrared System ballistic missile detection satellites, and next-generation OPIR geosynchronous orbit and polar spacecraft, and other missile tracking and warning birds.
The next FORGE delivery will include further cyber resilience capabilities, modern data visualization technologies for operators, and strengthen the ability to detect stealthier and other threats, SSC said.
“Our nation’s ability to quickly sense and make sense of OPIR observations is crucial in maintaining decision-making advantage against adversarial threats and their advanced missile technologies,” Col. Robert Davis, SSC’s program executive officer for Space Sensing, said in a statement. “This effort enables target tracking earlier and for a longer duration, which significantly increases the event custody chain.”